Increased inflammatory response in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy is associated with dyslipidemia: Effects of statin therapy

Angiology. 2011 Jan;62(1):55-61. doi: 10.1177/0003319710384396.

Abstract

Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is associated with increased inflammatory response reflected among other markers in high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) and soluble interleukin-2 receptor (sIL-2R) levels. We examined prospectively 60 consecutive patients with DCM. Of them, 30 were dyslipidemic (group I) and 30 normolipidemic (group II). Group I patients were randomized to either simvastatin therapy (20 mg/day, group Ia, n = 15) or hypolipidemic diet therapy (group Ib, n = 15). Patients were re-evaluated 6 months later. High-sensitivity C-reactive protein and sIL-2R levels were significantly higher in group I compared with group II patients (19.5 ± 3.4 vs 3.03 ± 3.5 mg/L, P = .01, 1137 ± 441 vs 599 ± 235 pg/mL, P = .001, respectively). There was a significant correlation between sIL-2R and hsCRP levels in dyslipidemic patients but not in normolipidemic patients. Significant reduction of hsCRP and sIL-2R levels was observed only in group Ia patients. Patients with DCM having dyslipidemia have increased inflammatory response, which is reduced after 6 months of statin therapy.

Publication types

  • Randomized Controlled Trial

MeSH terms

  • Cardiomyopathy, Dilated / complications*
  • Dyslipidemias / complications*
  • Dyslipidemias / drug therapy*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors / therapeutic use*
  • Inflammation / drug therapy*
  • Inflammation / etiology*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Prospective Studies
  • Simvastatin / therapeutic use*

Substances

  • Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors
  • Simvastatin