Historestorative effects of Warbugia ugandensis on high fat diet induced atherosclerosis in New Zealand rabbits

Background: Historestorative feature is a vital component that any organ can acquire secondary to its damage. Most of the time damage arises from traumatic injury or toxification by toxic agents. In the current context the aortic intima lumen significantly histologically changed secondary to administration of Warbugia ugandensis thus increasing blood supply to vital organs. Methods: Posttest only true experimental study design was used with 33 male New Zeeland rabbits considered for this study. In grouping of animals, Systematic sampling method was used to assign them as control and experimental groups. W. ugandensis extract was obtained after which phytochemical analysis and acute oral toxicity were conducted to determine safe dose. The animals were fed on high fat diet to induce atherosclerosis. Results: The mean fraction of restorative group reduced significantly (p=0.0001) relative to vehicle control group. There was no significant difference in mean area fraction of W. ugandensis restorative group when compared with negative control group (p=1.000). On histological features, restorative group had a smaller lesion as compared to vehicle group. The lipid core was smaller in size with large fibrous cap around it. The endothelial cells surrounded the lesion as opposed to vehicle control group make it more stable. Conclusions: Therefore, it can be concluded that W. ugandensis has historestorative benefits portrayed by reduction of atherosclerotic lesion with a lipid core covered by a large fibrous cap.

Formulation Development and Evaluation of Biodegradable Stent of Atorvastatin and Clopidogrel for Treatment of Atherosclerosis

This study aimed to create, develop, and optimize a biodegradable stent made of poly lactic co glycolic acid (PLGA) that contained clopidogrel and atorvastatin for the management of asthma. Solvent casting was used to create biodegradable stents. In particular, PLGA 75:25 polymer films were used to create stents using the solution-casting method. The base material was created by dissolving the polymer in isopropyl alcohol and adding PEG 400 as a plasticizer. As the active pharmaceutical ingredients in the stents, clopidogrel and atorvastatin were used. To avoid air bubbles, the resulting mixture was homogenized before being poured onto metal pans and allowed to gently evaporate in a refrigerator. The polymer films were then cut into strips, wound around cylindrical rods to form helical stents, and baked in an oven to guarantee that all of the isopropyl alcohol had evaporated. The biodegradable polylactic acid stents that included clopidogrel and atorvastatin demonstrated an impressive 99.34±0.44% encapsulation efficiency. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) analysis revealed that there were no chemical interactions between the stent's component parts. Significant water absorption over 80% was seen over a period of 8 days, which is remarkable. A thorough effect on disrupting plaque was seen at day 21, and on day 22, the stent began to biodegrade. Over the course of 20 days, the cumulative medication release percentage rose to 99.92%. According to the study's findings, treating atherosclerosis with an optimized biodegradable polymeric stent made of PLGA and combining atorvastatin and clopidogrel is a novel and promising treatment option.

Effect of atorvastatin preconditioning on hyperglycemia induced hemorrhagic transformation in mice after cerebral ischemia / 中华老年心脑血管病杂志

Objective To investigate the role and underlying mechanism of atorvastatin on hyper-glycemia induced hemorrhagic transformation(HT)in a mouse model of cerebral ischemia.Meth-ods A total of 36 SPF-grade male C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into sham operation group,HT model group and atorvastatin group,with 12 mice in each group.HE staining was used to observe cerebral hemorrhage,immunofluorescent staining was employed to detect the integrity of blood-brain barrier,and Western blotting was applied to measure the protein expression of IgG,ZO-1,occludin,claduin5,MMP-2 and-9 in ischemic penumbra brain tissues.Results Com-pared with sham operation group,the neurological deficit score,mortality rate,HT incidence,HT grading score,IgG fluorescence intensity,and protein levels of IgG,MMP-2 and-9 were signifi-cantly increased,while the protein levels of ZO-1,occludin and claudin5 were obviously decreased in the HT model group(P＜0.01).Atorvastatin treatment resulted in significantly lower neuro-logical deficit score(2.73±1.19 vs 3.91±0.94),mortality rate(16.7％vs 41.6％),HT incidence(58.3％vs 91.6％),HT grading score(1.00±1.04 vs 2.58±1.13),IgG fluorescence intensity(504.30±105.52 a.u vs 859.91±153.28 a.u),and protein levels of IgG(4.55±1.40 vs 12.06± 3.73),MMP-2(1.87±0.41 vs 2.95±0.68)and-9(1.47±0.24 vs 2.12±0.23)(P＜0.05,P＜0.01),and increased protein levels of ZO-1(1.55±0.20 vs 0.53±0.10),occludin(0.92±0.11 vs 0.35±0.07)and claudin5(0.58±0.04 vs 0.30±0.05)(P＜0.01)when compared with the HT model group.Conclusion Atorvastatin can reduce the permeability of blood-brain barrier by in-hibiting the activation of MMP-2 and MMP-9 and up-regulating the protein levels of ZO-1,occlu-din and claudin5,and thus attenuate hyperglycemia-induced HT.

Clinical effect of esmolol combined with atorvastatin in the treatment of severe sepsis complicated with cardiac insufficiency / 重庆医学

Objective To investigate the clinical efficacy of esmolol combined with atorvastatin on se-vere sepsis complicated with cardiac insufficiency.Methods This study was a prospective,double-blind,ran-domized controlled clinical trial.A total of 153 patients with severe sepsis complicated with cardiac insufficien-cy admitted to this hospital from January 2021 to December 2022 were selected and divided into groups A,B,and C by random number table method,with 51 cases in each.Patients in group A were given routine symp-tomatic supportive treatment after admission.On this basis,patients in group B and group C were given esmo-lol,esmolol+atorvastatin,respectively.The hemodynamic indexes,serological indexes and clinical prognosis of the three groups before and after intervention were compared.Results There was no significant difference in baseline data,and hemodynamic and serological indexes of three groups before intervention(P＞0.05).Compared with before intervention,after five days of intervention,heart rate,systemic vascular resistance in-dex(SVRI),blood levels of creatine kinase-MB(CK-MB),cardiac troponin Ⅰ(cTn Ⅰ),tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α),interleukin-6(IL-6)and high sensitive C-reactive protein(hs-CRP)in three groups were de-creased,while the values of cardiac index(CI)were increased,and the differences were statistically significant(P＜0.05).After five days of intervention,the heart rate,SVRI,blood levels of CK-MB,cTn Ⅰ,TNF-α,IL-6,and hs-CRP in group C were lower than those in group A and group B,and the levels in group B were lower than those in group A;the value of CI in group C was higher than that in group A and group B,and group B was higher than that in group A,the differences were statistically significant(P＜0.05).After intervention,the length of stay in intensive care unit(ICU)in group C was the shortest,and that in group B was shorter than that in group A,the difference was statistically significant(P＜0.05).There was no significant difference in 28 d mortality among the three groups(P＞0.05).Conclusion Esmolol combined with atorvastatin can signif-icantly inhibit the inflammatory response in patients with severe sepsis complicated with cardiac insufficiency,relieve myocardial injury and promote rehabilitation,and the therapeutic effect is better than esmolol alone.

Effect of heme oxygenase-1-mediated atorvastatin on macrophage polarization and cholesterol accumulation / 中国组织工程研究

BACKGROUND:Studies have shown that atorvastatin can up-regulate the expression of heme oxygenase-1 and enhance the anti-inflammation and anti-oxidative damage ability of cells.However,whether atorvastatin can regulate macrophage polarization,inhibit inflammation and reduce cholesterol accumulation by inducing heme oxygenase-1 expression remains unclear. OBJECTIVE:To investigate the effect of atorvastatin on polarization,inflammation and cholesterol content of oxidized low-density lipoprotein stimulated RAW264.7 macrophages by inducing heme oxygenase-1 expression and its related mechanism. METHODS:Firstly,RAW264.7 cells were randomly divided into six groups and incubated with different concentrations of atorvastatin for 24 hours.The expression of heme oxygenase-1 protein and cell activity were detected to explore the optimal dose of atorvastatin for subsequent studies.RAW264.7 cells were randomly divided into control group,atorvastatin group and heme oxygenase-1 inhibition group.Cells were preincubated with pure medium,atorvastatin 20 μmol/L and atorvastatin 20 μmol/L + zinc protoporphyrin IX 10 μmol/L for 24 hours,and then oxidized low-density lipoprotein 50 mg/L was added for 48 hours.The polarization of macrophages was detected by flow cytometry.The secretion of inflammatory factors such as transforming growth factor β,interleukin 10,interleukin 1β,and tumor necrosis factor α was detected by ELISA.The expression levels of heme oxygenase-1,LC3II,LC3I,P62,PPARγ and ABCA1 were detected by western blot assay.The intracellular cholesterol content was measured with the oxidose method and the accumulation degree of intracellular lipid droplets was evaluated by oil red O staining. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)Atorvastatin could induce the expression of heme oxygenase-1 protein in macrophages in a dose-dependent manner.(2)Oxidized low-density lipoprotein could induce macrophages to polarize towards M1,secrete proinflammatory factors,and increase the accumulation of intracellular cholesterol.(3)Compared with the control group,the heme oxygenase-1 protein expression of macrophages was increased after atorvastatin intervention,and the cells turned to M2-type polarization and mainly secreted anti-inflammatory factors such as transforming growth factor-β and interleukin-10.PPARγ,ABCA1,LC3II/I and other signal molecules reflecting cholesterol efflux and autophagy increased,and the contents of intracellular cholesterol and lipid droplets decreased significantly(P<0.05).(4)The heme oxygenase-1 inhibition group treated with zinc protoporphyrin IX significantly reversed the above changes in the atorvastatin group.(5)The results have shown that atorvastatin may promote the polarization of macrophages stimulated by oxidized low-density lipoprotein to M2 type and inhibit inflammation by up-regulating the expression of heme oxygenase-1 and by up-regulating PPARγ/ABCA1 signaling pathway and enhancing autophagy.Atorvastatin can increase the outflow of intracellular cholesterol and reduce the accumulation of intracellular lipids.

Clinical study of atorvastatin combined with indobufen in the treatment of elderly patients with diabetic kidney disease complicated with large atheromatous ischemic stroke during convalescence / 中国医师进修杂志

Objective:To investigate the efficacy and safety of atorvastatin combined with indobufen in the treatment of elderly patients with diabetic kidney disease (DKD) complicated with large atheromatous ischemic stroke (LAA-IS) during convalescence.Methods:The clinical data of 102 elderly patients with DKD complicated with LAA-IS during convalescence from September 2018 to April 2022 in Baoding Second Central Hospital were retrospectively analyzed. Among them, 51 patients were treated with atorvastatin combined with indobufen (observation group), 51 patients were treated with atorvastatin combined with aspirin (control group), and both groups were treated continuously for 6 months. The prethrombotic state indexes, neurological function and quality of daily life, carotid artery ultrasound indexes, renal fibrosis indexes before treatment and after treatment were compared between two group. The prethrombotic state indexes included arachidonic acid (AA) and adenosine diphosphate (ADP) induction platelet aggregation rate, fibrinogen (FIB), protein C; the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) was used to evaluate the neurological function, and the modified Barthel index (MBI) was used to evaluate the quality of daily life; carotid artery ultrasound indexes included carotid artery intima-media thickness (IMT) and maximum plaque area; the renal fibrosis indexes included transforming growth factor-β 1 (TGF-β 1), matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9), hyaluronic acid and platelet derived growth factor-BB (PDGF-BB). The adverse reactions were recorded. Results:There were no statistical differences in the all indexes before treatment between two groups ( P>0.05). In two groups, compared before treatment, the AA induction platelet aggregation rate, ADP induction platelet aggregation rate, FIB, NIHSS score, IMT and maximum plaque area after treatment were significantly lower, the protein C and MBI score were significantly higher, and there were statistical differences ( P<0.01); but there were no statistical differences after treatment between two groups ( P>0.05). The TGF-β 1, MMP-9, hyaluronic acid and PDGF-BB after treatment in two groups were significantly lower than before treatment, and the indexes in observation group were significantly lower than those in control group: (39.46 ± 6.89) μg/L vs. (45.04 ± 8.20) μg/L, (278.46 ± 49.39) μg/L vs. (327.30 ± 57.28) μg/L, (102.37 ± 20.62) μg/L vs. (116.84 ± 24.97) μg/L vs. (25.26 ± 4.45) μg/L vs. (28.13 ± 5.08) μg/L, with statistically significant differences( P<0.01). The incidence of adverse reactions in observation group was significantly lower than that in control group: 7.84% (4/51) vs. 23.53% (12/51), and there was statistical difference ( P<0.05). Conclusions:Compared with atorvastatin combined with aspirin, atorvastatin combined with indobufen in elderly patients with DKD complicated with LAA-IS during convalescence has the same effect in improving the related indicators of prethrombotic state, reducing neurological function deficit, improving the ability of daily living, and reversing carotid atherosclerosis. However, atorvastatin combined with indobufen can further protect renal function with higher safety.

Effect of amlodipine combined with different statins on hypertension complicated by atherosclerosis / 中国基层医药

Objective:To explore the effects of amlodipine combined with different doses of atorvastatin and simvastatin on hypertension complicated by atherosclerosis.Methods:A retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical data of 100 patients with hypertension complicated by atherosclerosis who were diagnosed and treated at Jinan 2 nd People's Hospital from August 2019 to August 2020. These patients were divided into control group ( n = 32, amlodipine combined with simvastatin), study group 1 ( n = 34, amlodipine combined with 10 mg/day atorvastatin), and study group 2 ( n = 34, amlodipine combined with 20 mg/day atorvastatin) according to different treatment schemes. All three groups were treated for 6 months. The clinical efficacy, blood lipid level, blood pressure, oxidative stress level, carotid intima-media thickness and plaque area were compared among the three groups. Results:The overall response rates of the control group, study group 1, and study group 2 were 71.88% (23/32), 82.35% (28/34), and 91.18% (31/34), respectively. The difference in overall response rate among the three groups was statistically significant ( χ2 = 4.16, P < 0.05). After treatment, total cholesterol, triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, 24-hour dynamic blood pressure, diurnal blood pressure, nighttime blood pressure, malondialdehyde, superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, carotid intima-media thickness and plaque area were statistically different among the three groups ( F = -19.54, -76.61, 11.15, -56.83, -147.35, -23.10, -11.47, -11.65, -128.36, -15.60, -24.52, 25.61, 118.99, -59.23, -81.64, all P < 0.05). The incidence rates of adverse reactions in the control group, study group 1, and study group 2 were 12.50% (4/32), 8.82% (3/34), and 11.76% (4/34), respectively. There was no statistically significant difference among the three groups ( χ2 = 0.25, P = 0.611). Conclusion:Amlodipine combined with atorvastatin is more effective in the treatment of hypertension complicated by atherosclerosis than the amlodipine combined with simvastatin. High-dose atorvastatin is more effective in reducing lipid, controlling blood pressure, improving the level of oxidative stress and clinical symptoms compared with low-dose atorvastatin.

Advances in the diagnosis and treatment of chronic subdural hematoma / 中国神经精神疾病杂志

Chronic subdural hematoma is one of the common central nervous system diseases in middle-aged and elderly people,and the incidence is increasing year by year.Drill and drain surgery is recognized as one of the effective ways to treat chronic subdural hematoma.However,there still exists a non-negligible recurrence after surgery.In addition,with the aging of the population,senior patients may have many underlying diseases.Therefore,the risk of surgery is high and some patients even have contraindications to surgery due to the long-term use of anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.In recent years,some progress has been made in the treatment of chronic subdural hematoma,such as oral atorvastatin can promote the absorption of chronic subdural hematoma,small-dose dexamethasone is used in the treatment of chronic subdural hematoma,neuroendoscopy-assisted treatment of segregated chronic subdural hematoma,and middle meningeal artery embolization surgery to reduce the recurrence of chronic subdural hematoma patients.Meanwhile,with the development of imaging,Computed Tomography(CT)and Magnetic Resonance Imaging(MRI)have made some progress in the diagnosis of chronic subdural hematoma.

Comparative Study on Effect of Yiqi Liangxue Shengji Formula （益气凉血生肌方） and Atorvastatin Tablets on Vascular Injury and Differences in Serum Metabolites in Abdominal Aortic Balloon Injury Model Rats / 中医杂志

ObjectiveTo compare the effects and differences of Yiqi Liangxue Shengji Formula （益气凉血生肌方） and atorvastatin on the repair of vascular injury in rats from the perspective of metabolomics. MethodsTwenty-four male SD rats were randomly divided into sham-surgery， model， traditional Chinese medicine （TCM）， and ator-vastatin groups， with 6 rats in each group. The rat model was established by balloon-induced abdominal aorta injury. Gavage was started on the day after surgery in all groups of rats. The sham and model groups were given with deio-nized water， TCM group received Yiqi Liangxue Shengji Formula 6 g/（kg·d）， and the atorvastatin group treated with atorvastatin suspension 2 mg/（kg·d） for 4 weeks. HE staining was used to observe the pathological morphology of the injured segment of the abdominal aorta； ELISA detection was used to test serum nitric oxide （NO） and C-reactive protein （CRP） levels； UPLC MS/MS technology was used for widely targeted metabolomics detection in serum， and multivariate statistical analysis was used to screen metabolic markers and pathways of two drugs； finally， compare serum levels of key metabolic markers of the above two medications in rats of each group. ResultsCompared with the sham-surgery group， the neointima significantly thickened， the level of NO decreased significantly and the level of CRP increased in serum of the model group （P＜0.01）； compared with the model group， the degree of arterial intimal hyperplasia in TCM group and atorvastatin group reduced， with an increase in NO levels and a decrease in CRP levels （P＜ 0.05 or P＜0.01）. The results of serum metabolomics showed that TCM group obtained 49 metabolic markers and 6 metabolic pathways， while atorvastatin group obtained 41 metabolic markers and 4 metabolic pathways. The two medications jointly regulated 38 metabolites. Glycerophospholipid metabolism and arginine-related metabolism were common metabolic pathways for both medications. Lysophosphatidylcholine （16∶1/0∶0） ［LPC （16∶1/ 0∶0）］， phosphatidylcholine （15∶0/15∶0） ［PC （15∶0/15∶0）］ were the key metabolites of glycerophospholipid metabolic pathway； ornithine， spermidine were the key metabolites of arginine-related metabolic pathway. The tricarboxylic acid cycle and glutathione metabolism were the unique metabolic pathways of Yiqi Liangxue Shengji Formula. Compared with the sham-surgery group， LPC （16∶1/0∶0）， ornithine， and spermidine levels elevated and PC （15∶0/15∶0） levels decreased in the model group （P＜0.05 or P＜0.01）. Compared with the model group， LPC （16∶1/0∶0）， ornithine， and spermidine levels decreased， and PC （15∶0/15∶0） levels increased in both TCM group and atorvastatin group （P＜0.05 or P＜0.01）. The degree of LPC reduction （16∶1/0∶0） was more significant in atorvastatin group compared with that in the TCM group （P＜0.01）. ConclusionsBoth sham-surgery and atorvastatin could regulate lipid metabolism and arginine-related metabolism， exert the characteristics of lipid-lowering， anti-inflammatory， improve arginine/NO bioavailability， and improve endothelial dysfunction. Atorvastatin showed more advantages in lipid-lowering and anti-inflammatory， while Yiqi Liangxue Shengji Formula has unique characteristics in regulating energy metabolism and improving oxidative stress.

Different clinical effect between xiaozhi decoction in the treatment of hyperlipidemia in different classification of physical constitution in TCM / 中国现代医生

Objective To analyze the effect of Xiaozhi Decoction in the treatment of hyperlipidemiain different classification of physical constitution in TCM.Methods We screened 206 patients with Hyperlipidemia in our hospital and had been treated with drugs during May 2020 to March 2023.Totally 103 patients in the TCM group were treated with Xiaozhi Decoction,103 patients in the western medicine group were treated with atorvastatin.Selected total cholesterol(TC),triglyceride(TG),high-density lipoprotein cholesterol(HDL-C),low-density lipoprotein cholesterol(LDL-C)and liver transaminase before and after a period of treatment.The non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol(non-HDL-C)will be calculated,too.Results In the Phlegm-Dampness constitution,TC,TG,LDL-C and non-HDL-C decreased significantly all in the TCM group(P<0.05);TC,TG and non-HDL-C decreased significantly all in the western medicine group(P<0.05).The TCM group is superior to the western medicine group in TC,LDL-C,non-HDL-C(P<0.05).In the Qi-Deficiency constitution,TC,TG,LDL-C and non-HDL-C decreased significantly all in the TCM group(P<0.05);TC,LDL-C and non-HDL-C decreased significantly all in the western medicine group(P<0.05).The TCM group is superior to the western medicine group in non-HDL-C(P<0.05).In the Blood-Stasis constitution,TC,TG,LDL-C and non-HDL-C decreased significantly all in the western medicine group only(P<0.05).The western medicine group is superior to the TCM group in TC,LDL-C,non-HDL-C(P<0.05).In the Yin-Yang Harmony constitution,TC and non-HDL-C decreased significantly both in the TCM group(P<0.05).TC,LDL-C and non-HDL-C decreased significantly all in the western medicine group(P<0.05).The western medicine group is superior to the TCM group in TC,LDL-C,non-HDL-C(P<0.05).Conclusion Xiaozhi Decoction is superior to the the atorvastatin in the treatment of hyperlipidemia for the Phlegm-Dampness constitution and Qi-deficiency constitution groups.But it is not superior to the atorvastatin in the treatment of hyperlipidemia for the Blood-Stasis constitution and Yin-Yang Harmony constitution groups.

Estatinas, una alternativa en el tratamiento de la COVID-19 / Statins, an Alternative in the Treatment of COVID-19

Resumen Las estatinas son ampliamente utilizadas para el control de los niveles de colesterol en pacientes con hipercolesterolemia, lo cual permite prevenir enfermedades cardiovasculares. Además de controlar la síntesis endógena de colesterol, las estatinas tienen efectos pleiotrópicos diversos, como son las propiedades antiinflamatoria, antioxidante y de inmunomodulación. La enfermedad causada por el virus SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) provoca una tormenta de citocinas que contribuye a la generación del síndrome respiratorio agudo, que puede llevar a cuadros graves de esta enfermedad e incluso a la muerte del paciente. Diversos estudios realizados en enfermos con COVID-19 que recibieron estatinas, antes o durante el curso de la enfermedad, registraron cuadros menos graves, estancias hospitalarias más cortas y menor mortalidad. El beneficio de las estatinas en la COVID-19 debe ser explorado más ampliamente, ya que potencialmente pueden contribuir al control de esta pandemia que ha postrado a la humanidad.

Abstract Statins are widely used to control cholesterol levels in patients with hypercholesterolemia, which helps prevent cardiovascular diseases. In addition to controlling endogenous cholesterol synthesis, statins have diverse pleiotropic effects, such as anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and immunomodulatory properties. The disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus (COVID-19) causes a cytokine storm that contributes to the generation of acute respiratory syndrome, which can lead to severe symptoms of this disease and even the death of the patient. Various studies carried out on patients with COVID-19 who received statins, before or during the disease, registered less severe symptoms, shorter hospital stays and lower mortality. The benefit of statins in COVID-19 should be explored more widely, as they can potentially contribute to the control of this pandemic that has devastated humanity.

Comparative study on efficacy and safety of atorvastatin in combination with ezetimibe and atorvastatin monotherapy among patients with dyslipidemia – A randomized and double-blind study

Background: Dyslipidemia is defined as the high-density lipoprotein and apolipoprotein A (apo A) levels <10th percentile and/or total cholesterol, triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein (LDL), apolipoprotein B, or Lipoprotein (a) levels more than the 90th percentile. Aim and Objectives: This study aimed to compare the efficacy and safety of the fixed-dose combination of Atorvastatin and Ezetimibe with Atorvastatin monotherapy among patients with dyslipidemia. Materials and Methods: The present study was a randomized, double-blinded, prospective, and parallel-group study. Ninety-two outpatients of age in between 18 and 70 years from the Department of General Medicine who attended the hospital for the treatment of dyslipidemia were selected as study participants. Among 92 patients, 12 patients did not meet the study criteria. The remaining 80 patients were divided into two treatment groups at random and under double-blind conditions (39 in Group A and 41 in Group B). Each patient in both groups was followed for a period of 4 weeks after initiation of therapy. Total cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol levels were recorded at day 1, 2 weeks, and 4 weeks of therapy. Results: In this study, by the end of the study period (4 weeks), tablet Atorvastatin + tablet Ezetimibe combination therapy showed statistical significance difference in reducing mean total cholesterol and mean serum LDL levels in dyslipidemia cases than the group receiving Atorvastatin monotherapy. Conclusion: Atorvastatin in combination with Ezetimibe was more efficacious than Atorvastatin monotherapy in reducing total blood cholesterol and serum LDL levels. Atorvastatin plus Ezetimibe is equally safer as Atorvastatin monotherapy and well tolerated with fewer adverse effects.

Comparing the antiepileptic effects of atorvastatin, celecoxib, ashwagandha, clove oil, and Sodium valproate on chemo-shock induced seizures in male Wistar albino rats

Background: Antiepileptic potential of statins, COX inhibitors and other herbal medications are to be evaluated in experimental animals so that the most efficacious can be translated for human use as an adjunct to the commonly used anti-epileptic drugs. Methods: This experimental animal study grouped 30 male Wistar albino rats into 6 groups with each containing 5 rats of which one group was control, one was the standard drug and the other 4 were treatment groups which received Atorvastatin, Celecoxib, Ashwagandha and Clove oil. These drugs were administered 30 minutes prior to administering Pentylene-tetrazole which induced convulsions and the various seizure parameters were analysed. The blood samples of the animals were also assessed for anti-oxidant activity by measuring superoxide dismutase and catalase levels in the blood. Results: The onset of seizure was significantly delayed by Ashwagandha (2.55±0.94), similar to the latency shown by the standard drug (2.09±1.21). The duration of convulsions was very significantly reduced in all the 5 drug groups in comparison to the control (p<0.001). The clonic jerk duration was not reduced as effectively as the standard drug. The duration of recovery time amongst the various groups was also significant (p<0.05). The SOD and Catalase levels of no groups showed any possible association between the anti-epileptic efficacy of these drugs and the anti-oxidant enzyme levels. Conclusions: Ashwagandha has good anti-epileptic efficacy not less than the standard drug when the various drug groups were compared.

Effects of atorvastatin in suppressing pulmonary vascular remodeling in rats with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Abstract Objective To investigate the effects of atorvastatin calcium on pulmonary vascular remodeling, the authors explored the regulatory mechanism of Histone Deacetylation Enzyme-2 (HDAC2) in rats with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), and provided a new direction for drug treatment in the progression of vascular remodeling. Methods Eighteen female SD rats were randomly divided into control (Group S1), COPD (Group S2), and atorvastatin calcium + COPD (Group S3) groups. A COPD rat model was established by passive smoking and intratracheal injection of Lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Haematoxylin and eosin staining and Victoria Blue + Van Gibson staining were used to observe pathological changes in the lung tissue. The pulmonary vascular inflammation score was calculated, and the degree of pulmonary vascular remodeling was evaluated. The ratio of Muscular Arteries in lung tissue (MA%), the ratio of the vessel Wall Area to the vessel total area (WA%), and the ratio of the vessel Wall Thickness to the vascular outer diameter (WT%) were measured using imaging software. The expression of HDAC2 was measured using western blotting, ELISA (Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay), and qPCR (Real-time PCR). Results Compared with the control group, the degree of pulmonary vascular inflammation and pulmonary vascular remodeling increased in rats with COPD. The WT%, WA%, and lung inflammation scores increased significantly; the expression of HDAC2 and HDAC2mRNA in the serum and lung tissue decreased, and the level of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) in the lung tissues increased (p< 0.05). Compared with the COPD group, the lung tissues from rats in the atorvastatin group had fewer inflammatory cells, and the vascular pathological changes were significantly relieved. The WT%, WA%, and lung inflammation scores decreased significantly; the expression of HDAC2 and HDAC2mRNA in the serum and lung tissues increased, and the level of VEGF in the lung tissues decreased (p< 0.05). Conclusion The present study revealed that atorvastatin calcium could regulate the contents and expression of HDAC2 in serum and lung tissues and inhibit the production of VEGF, thereby regulating pulmonary vascular remodeling in a rat model with COPD.

Effects of statin therapy in hospitalized adult COVID-19 patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

ABSTRACT Introduction COVID-19 is associated with endothelial activation and systemic inflammation; consequently, statins can be used in its treatment as they have anti-inflammatory, antithrombotic, and profibrinolytic properties and may interfere with COVID-19 viral entry into cells through disruption of cell membrane lipid rafts. Objective We performed a meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials that compared statin therapy to placebo or to standard care in adult patients hospitalized for COVID-19. Methods We searched the MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library databases for all-cause mortality, hospitalization duration, and admission to the intensive care unit. Results Of the 228 studies reviewed, four studies were included, with a total of 1,231 patients, of whom 610 (49.5%) were treated with statins. There was no significant difference in all-cause mortality (odds ratio [OR] 0.96; 95% confidence interval [95%CI]: 0.61-1.51; p=0.86; I2=13%), duration of hospitalization (mean difference [MD] 0.21; 95%CI: -1.74-2.16; p=0.83; I2=92%), intensive care unit admission (OR= 3.31; 95%CI: 0.13-87.1; p=0.47; I2=84%), need for mechanical ventilation (OR= 1.03; 95%CI: 0.36-2.94; p=0.95; I2=0%), or increase in liver enzyme levels (OR= 0.58; 95%CI: 0.27-1.25; p=0.16; I2=0%) between patients treated with or without statin therapy. Conclusion Our findings suggest that in adult patients hospitalized with COVID-19, statin therapy results in no difference in clinical outcomes when compared to outcomes by placebo or standard of care. Prospero database registration: (www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero) under the number CRD42022338283.

Efficacy and safety of ticagrelor combined with atorvastatin in the treatment of acute cerebral infarction / 中国医师进修杂志

Objective:To investigate the efficacy and adverse reactions of ticagrelor combined with atorvastatin in the treatment of acute cerebral infarction (ACI).Methods:A total of 80 patients with ACI who were diagnosed and treated in Anhui Suixi County Hospital from October 2021 to October 2022 were selected retrospectively and randomly divided into the control group and observation group, each group with 40 cases. The patients in the control group were treated with routine basic treatment and atorvastatin for ACI. The patients in the observation group was treated with ticagrelor on the basis of the control group. The clinical efficacy, neurological function, daily living ability, platelet function (platelet count, platelet inhibition rate), inflammatory factors including high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and adverse reactions of the two groups were compared.Results:The total effective rate of the observation group was higher than that of the control group: 92.50%(37/40) vs. 72.50% (29/40), there was statistical differences ( P<0.05). After treatment, the score of National Institute of Health Stroke Scale of the observation group was lower than that of the control group: (9.37 ± 2.91) points vs. (14.20 ± 3.39) points, and the score of Barthel index scale (BI) was higher than that of the control group: (72.26 ± 13.27) points vs. (58.93 ± 9.43) points, there were statistical differences ( P<0.05). After treatment, the platelet count and platelet adenosine diphosphate (ADP) inhibition rate of the observation group were higher than those of the control group: (284.65 ± 41.58) × 10 9/L vs. (210.46 ± 36.12) × 10 9/L, (79.43 ± 16.42)% vs. (62.40 ± 13.95)%, there were statistical differences ( P<0.05). After treatment, the serum hs-CRP and IL-6 levels of the observation group were lower than those of the control group: (11.64 ± 2.96) mg/L vs. (19.75 ± 4.57) mg/L, (4.26 ± 0.93) ng/L vs. (8.95 ± 1.83) ng/L, there were statistical differences ( P<0.05). There was no significant difference in the incidence of adverse reactions between the two groups after treatment ( P>0.05). Conclusions:Ticagrelor combined with atorvastatin has a better therapeutic effect on ACI, which can effectively improve the neurological deficit and the ability of self-care.

Effect and Mechanism of Atorvastatin on Reversing Drug Resistance in Leukemia by Regulating Glycolysis through PTEN/mTOR Pathway / 中国实验血液学杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To investigate the influence and mechanism of atorvastatin on glycolysis of adriamycin resistant acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) cell line HL-60/ADM.@*METHODS@#HL-60/ADM cells in logarithmic growth phase were treated with different concentrations of atorvastatin, then the cell proliferation activity was measured by CCK-8 assay, the apoptosis was detected by flow cytometry, the glycolytic activity was checked by glucose consumption test, and the protein expressions of PTEN, p-mTOR, PKM2, HK2, P-gp and MRP1 were detected by Western blot. After transfection of PTEN-siRNA into HL-60/ADM cells, the effects of low expression of PTEN on atorvastatin regulating the behaviors of apoptosis and glycolytic metabolism in HL-60/ADM cells were further detected.@*RESULTS@#CCK-8 results showed that atorvastatin could inhibit the proliferation of HL-60/ADM cells in a concentration-dependent and time-dependent manner (r=0.872, r=0.936), and the proliferation activity was inhibited most significantly when treated with 10 μmol/L atorvastatin for 24 h, which was decreased to (32.3±2.18)%. Flow cytometry results showed that atorvastatin induced the apoptosis of HL-60/ADM cells in a concentration-dependent manner (r=0.796), and the apoptosis was induced most notably when treated with 10 μmol/L atorvastatin for 24 h, which reached to (48.78±2.95)%. The results of glucose consumption test showed that atorvastatin significantly inhibited the glycolytic activity of HL-60/ADM cells in a concentration-dependent and time-dependent manner (r=0.915, r=0.748), and this inhibition was most strikingly when treated with 10 μmol/L atorvastatin for 24 h, reducing the relative glucose consumption to (46.53±1.71)%. Western blot indicated that the expressions of p-mTOR, PKM2, HK2, P-gp and MRP1 protein were decreased in a concentration-dependent manner (r=0.737, r=0.695, r=0.829, r=0.781, r=0.632), while the expression of PTEN protein was increased in a concentration-dependent manner (r=0.531), when treated with different concentrations of atorvastatin for 24 h. After PTEN-siRNA transfected into HL-60/ADM cells, it showed that low expression of PTEN had weakened the promoting effect of atorvastatin on apoptosis and inhibitory effect on glycolysis and multidrug resistance.@*CONCLUSION@#Atorvastatin can inhibit the proliferation, glycolysis, and induce apoptosis of HL-60/ADM cells. It may be related to the mechanism of increasing the expression of PTEN, inhibiting mTOR activation, and decreasing the expressions of PKM2 and HK2, thus reverse drug resistance.

Effects of plateau hypoxia on the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of atorvastatin calcium in hyperlipidemic rats / 中国药理学通报

Objective To study the effect of simulated high altitude hypoxia on the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of atorvastatin calcium in hyperlipidemia rats. Methods The wistar rats with hyperlipidemia induced by high-fat diet were divided into normoxia group and hypoxia group. Rats in the hypoxia group received a 14-day chronic hypoxia exposure at simulated an altitude of 5, 500 m. The two groups were given atorvastatin calcium(20 mg•kg

Association between statins and cerebral microbleeds:A meta-analysis / 中风与神经疾病杂志

@#Objective Currently recognized statins are associated with the increased risk of spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage,but there are still controversies over their association with cerebral microbleeds(CMBs). This meta-analysis systematically evaluates the association between the use of statins and CMBs. Methods CNKI,Wanfang Data,VIP,CBM,PubMed,EMBASE,The Cochrane Library,and Clinical Trials databases were searched for randomized controlled trials(RCTs) of statins and CMBs published from January 1,2016 to October 12,2022. The Cochrane Collaboration's tool for assessing risk of bias was used,Revman 5.3 software was used to assess the methodological quality of RCTs included in this study,and Stata 15.0 software was used for statistical analysis. Results A total of 7 articles involving 656 patients were included in this study. The meta-analysis showed that compared with the control group,there was a significant reduction in the number of CMBs or even disappearance of such lesions after adjuvant therapy with atorvastatin calcium adjuvant therapy(odds ratio=2.41,95% confidence interval:1.78-3.25). Conclusion Existing results show that for patients with ischemic stroke and CMBs,atorvastatin calcium in addition to basic treatment can downregulate blood lipid levels,significantly reduce the number of CMBs,and alleviate the degree of CMBs.

Efficacy of Zhibitai capsules combined with low-dose atorvastatin in the treatment of cervical arteriosclerosis and its effects on high-sensitivity C-reactive protein and regulatory T cells in the peripheral blood / 中国基层医药

Objective:To investigate the efficacy of Zhibitai capsules combined with low-dose atorvastatin in the treatment of cervical arteriosclerosis and its effects on high-sensitivity C-reactive protein and regulatory T cells in the peripheral blood. Methods:A total of 104 patients with carotid arteriosclerosis admitted to Fenyang Hospital from January 2021 to April 2022 were retrospectively included in this study. They were divided into a control group ( n = 52) and an observation group ( n = 52) according to different treatment methods. The control group was orally given atorvastatin calcium tablets 20 mg once a day. The observation group was orally given atorvastatin calcium tablets 10 mg once a day, and Zhibitai capsules 0.24 g, one capsule in the morning and one capsule in the evening. After 8 weeks of treatment, changes in total cholesterol, triacylglycerol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, and regulatory T cell proportion in the peripheral blood were evaluated. Results:After treatment, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol level and regulatory T cell proportion in the observation group were (1.53 ± 0.29) mmol/L and (5.52 ± 1.38)%, respectively, which were significantly higher than (1.19 ± 0.21) mmol/L and (4.48 ± 0.86)% respectively in the control group ( t = 6.84, 4.61, both P < 0.05). Total cholesterol, triacylglycerol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein levels in the observation group were (2.88 ± 0.27) mmol/L, (1.21 ± 0.15) mmol/L, (2.01 ± 0.19) mmol/L, (2.58 ± 0.43) mg/L, respectively, which were significantly lower than (3.68 ± 0.41) mmol/L, (1.33 ± 0.19) mmol/L, (2.69 ± 0.31) mmol/L, (3.70 ± 0.25) mg/L, respectively in the control group ( t = 11.75, 3.57, 12.31, 17.23, all P < 0.05). There was no significant difference in carotid plaque size pre-treatment between the two groups, but the plaque size decreased after treatment compared with before treatment. The efficacy of Zhibitai capsules combined with low-dose atorvastatin in the treatment of cervical arteriosclerosis in the observation group was superior to that in the control group ( P < 0.05). Conclusion:Oral administration of Zhibitai capsules combined with low-dose atorvastatin for the treatment of cervical arteriosclerosis is safe and has few adverse reactions. The combined therapy can decrease serum high-sensitivity C-reactive protein levels, increase the proportion of regulatory T cells in the peripheral blood, help stabilize plaques, and reduce plaque size.