Impact of ezetimibe on markers of inflammation in patients treated with statins: a systematic review

Inflammopharmacology. 2023 Aug;31(4):1647-1656. doi: 10.1007/s10787-023-01209-w. Epub 2023 Jun 1.

Abstract

Statins are the primary pharmacological intervention to reduce LDL cholesterol; they significantly reduce inflammatory markers. Ezetimibe also reduces LDL cholesterol and reduces cardiovascular events when given on top of statin therapy. Whether ezetimibe, like statins, reduces markers of inflammation is less clear. We, therefore, conducted a systematic literature research addressing the impact of ezetimibe on CRP, TNFα and IL-6 when given on top of statin therapy. Our work indicates that overall ezetimibe reduces inflammation on top of statin treatment. However, available data are limited for CRP and even more so for TNFα and IL-6.

Keywords: CRP; Ezetimibe; IL-6; Inflammatory markers; Statins; TNFα.

Publication types

  • Systematic Review
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Anticholesteremic Agents* / pharmacology
  • Anticholesteremic Agents* / therapeutic use
  • Cholesterol, LDL / therapeutic use
  • Drug Therapy, Combination
  • Ezetimibe / therapeutic use
  • Humans
  • Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors* / pharmacology
  • Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors* / therapeutic use
  • Inflammation / chemically induced
  • Inflammation / drug therapy
  • Interleukin-6
  • Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha

Substances

  • Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors
  • Ezetimibe
  • Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha
  • Cholesterol, LDL
  • Anticholesteremic Agents
  • Interleukin-6