Abstract
The anti-inflammatory potential of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase inhibitors, as reflected by modulation of C-reactive protein (CRP), might be beneficial in the treatment of patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). We evaluated serum levels of high-sensitivity (hs)-CRP in relapsing-remitting MS patients receiving interferon-beta 1b and atorvastatin as add-on therapy. This study shows that interferon-beta treatment is associated with increased serum levels of hs-CRP in MS patients (P<0.01). In contrast, when atorvastatin is added to interferon-beta, hs-CRP serum levels decrease to the normal range (P<0.05), indicating an anti-inflammatory action of atorvastatin in MS. However, whether add-on treatment with atorvastatin modifies the course of MS remains to be investigated.
Publication types
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Randomized Controlled Trial
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Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
MeSH terms
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Adjuvants, Immunologic / administration & dosage
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Adolescent
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Adult
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Atorvastatin
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Biomarkers / blood
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C-Reactive Protein / metabolism*
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Drug Interactions
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Drug Therapy, Combination
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Heptanoic Acids / administration & dosage*
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Humans
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Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors / administration & dosage*
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Interferon beta-1b
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Interferon-beta / administration & dosage
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Middle Aged
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Multiple Sclerosis, Relapsing-Remitting / drug therapy*
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Multiple Sclerosis, Relapsing-Remitting / immunology*
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Pyrroles / administration & dosage*
Substances
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Adjuvants, Immunologic
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Biomarkers
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Heptanoic Acids
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Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors
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Pyrroles
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Interferon beta-1b
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Interferon-beta
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C-Reactive Protein
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Atorvastatin