Evaluation of the pharmacotherapeutic follow-up effectiveness in patients with dyslipidemia in the secondary health care in the Brazilian Unified Health System (SUS)

Abstract Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are one of the main causes of mortality in the world. Dyslipidemia treatment can reduce the number of deaths caused by CVD, by decreasing the lipid profile. Evaluate the pharmacotherapeutic follow-up effectiveness in patients with dyslipidemia, regarding clinical and laboratory aspects. A quasi-experimental trial was performed in 12 months. The studied population was included patients with dyslipidemia who received a pharmacotherapeutic follow-up, which was evaluated according to the Pharmacotherapy Workup developed by the Brazilian Ministry of Health. Clinical and laboratory evaluations were performed at the baseline, after a 6 and 12-months period. The statistical analyzes were performed with the normality test of Lilliefors, Cramer Von Misses, and Anderson Darling, later the t-paired test. This study demonstrated that after 6-months of intervention, statistically significant results were verified in the reduction of LDL-cholesterol, total cholesterol, increase in HDL-cholesterol, and reduction in the blood pressure. It was observed that for high-risk patients, the achievement of targets in the lipid profile and HbA1C occurred only after 12-months, because, this population needs more aggressive targets and expressive interventions. Pharmacotherapeutic follow-up in patients with dyslipidemia reduced lipid blood levels and promoted positive clinical and laboratory outcomes.

Implementación de un programa de angioplastia coronaria ambulatoria en pacientes con riesgo incrementado / Implementation of an Ambulatory Percutaneous Coronary Intervention Program in Higher Risk Patients

RESUMEN: Introducción: La hipercolesterolemia familiar es una hiperlipidemia primaria. Se trata de un trastorno genético autosómico dominante del metabolismo de las lipoproteínas, caracterizado por concentraciones plasmáticas elevadas de colesterol unido a lipoproteínas de baja densidad y presencia de xantomas tendinosos, y está asociado con el desarrollo prematuro de enfermedad cardiovascular. Objetivos: Investigar la presencia de mutaciones en el principal gen asociado al desarrollo de hipercolesterolemia familiar (LDLR) en un grupo de pacientes identificados como "casos índices", de entre aquellos que concurren al Servicio de Lípidos del Hospital Universitario Fundación Favaloro con diagnóstico clínico de hipercolesterolemia familiar. Determinar la composición ancestral de la población estudiada. Material y métodos: Se estudió una población de 38 pacientes con diagnóstico clínico de hipercolesterolemia familiar. La región codificante y las zonas intrónicas adyacentes del gen LDLR se secuenciaron automáticamente por el método de Sanger. Se investigó el componente ancestral de la población estudiada a partir del análisis de 46 marcadores informativos de ancestralidad (AIM-Indel). Resultados: Se identificaron 50 variantes diferentes, de las cuales el 48% se consideraron patogénicas. Se logró establecer una correlación genotipo-gravedad del fenotipo en el 60,5% de los pacientes estudiados. El componente ancestral de la población estudiada fue predominantemente europeo, seguido de un componente nativo-americano y, en menor proporción, africano. Conclusiones: El análisis genético por secuenciación del gen LDLR en pacientes identificados como "casos índices" con diagnóstico clínico de hipercolesterolemia familiar permite correlacionar el dato genético con la gravedad del fenotipo observado clínicamente y efectuar un diagnóstico en cascada en los miembros de la familia que presentan los criterios de inclusión considerados.

ABSTRACT: Background: Familial hypercholesterolemia is a primary hyperlipidemia. It is an autosomal dominant genetic disorder of lipoprotein metabolism, characterized by elevated plasma low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and presence of tendon xanthomas, and is associated with early cardiovascular disease. Objectives: The aim of this study was to investigate the presence of mutations in the main gene associated with the development of familial hypercholesterolemia (LDLR) in a group of patients identified as "index cases" attending the Lipid Clinic of the Hospital Universitario Fundación Favaloro with clinical diagnosis of familial hypercholesterolemia. The ancestral composition of the study population was determined. Methods: We evaluated 38 patients with clinical diagnosis of familial hypercholesterolemia. Mutation screening of the LDLR gene coding regions and adjacent intronic areas was performed using Sanger sequencing. The ancestral component of the study population was investigated using 46 ancestry inference markers (AIM-Indel). Results: Fifty different variants were identified, 48% of which were considered pathogenic. A genotype-phenotype severity correlation was established in 60.5% of the patients evaluated. The ancestral component of the study population was predominantly European, followed by native-American and African in lower proportion. Conclusions: Genetic testing by LDLR gene sequencing in patients identified as "index cases" with clinical diagnosis of familial hypercholesterolemia allows the correlation between the genetic information and the severity of the clinical phenotype to a cascade testing of the family members presenting the inclusion criteria considered.

Estudio genético de hipercolesterolemia familiar en una población hospitalaria de la Ciudad de Buenos Aires / Genetic Testing of Familial Hypercholesterolemia in a Hospital-Based Population of the City of Buenos Aires

RESUMEN: Introducción: La hipercolesterolemia familiar es una hiperlipidemia primaria. Se trata de un trastorno genético autosómico dominante del metabolismo de las lipoproteínas, caracterizado por concentraciones plasmáticas elevadas de colesterol unido a lipoproteínas de baja densidad y presencia de xantomas tendinosos, y está asociado con el desarrollo prematuro de enfermedad cardiovascular. Objetivos: Investigar la presencia de mutaciones en el principal gen asociado al desarrollo de hipercolesterolemia familiar (LDLR) en un grupo de pacientes identificados como "casos índices", de entre aquellos que concurren al Servicio de Lípidos del Hospital Universitario Fundación Favaloro con diagnóstico clínico de hipercolesterolemia familiar. Determinar la composición ancestral de la población estudiada. Material y métodos: Se estudió una población de 38 pacientes con diagnóstico clínico de hipercolesterolemia familiar. La región codificante y las zonas intrónicas adyacentes del gen LDLR se secuenciaron automáticamente por el método de Sanger. Se investigó el componente ancestral de la población estudiada a partir del análisis de 46 marcadores informativos de ancestralidad (AIM-Indel). Resultados: Se identificaron 50 variantes diferentes, de las cuales el 48% se consideraron patogénicas. Se logró establecer una correlación genotipo-gravedad del fenotipo en el 60,5% de los pacientes estudiados. El componente ancestral de la población estudiada fue predominantemente europeo, seguido de un componente nativo-americano y, en menor proporción, africano. Conclusiones: El análisis genético por secuenciación del gen LDLR en pacientes identificados como "casos índices" con diagnóstico clínico de hipercolesterolemia familiar permite correlacionar el dato genético con la gravedad del fenotipo observado clínicamente y efectuar un diagnóstico en cascada en los miembros de la familia que presentan los criterios de inclusión considerados.

ABSTRACT: Background: Familial hypercholesterolemia is a primary hyperlipidemia. It is an autosomal dominant genetic disorder of lipoprotein metabolism, characterized by elevated plasma low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and presence of tendon xanthomas, and is associated with early cardiovascular disease. Objectives: The aim of this study was to investigate the presence of mutations in the main gene associated with the development of familial hypercholesterolemia (LDLR) in a group of patients identified as "index cases" attending the Lipid Clinic of the Hospital Universitario Fundación Favaloro with clinical diagnosis of familial hypercholesterolemia. The ancestral composition of the study population was determined. Methods: We evaluated 38 patients with clinical diagnosis of familial hypercholesterolemia. Mutation screening of the LDLR gene coding regions and adjacent intronic areas was performed using Sanger sequencing. The ancestral component of the study population was investigated using 46 ancestry inference markers (AIM-Indel). Results: Fifty different variants were identified, 48% of which were considered pathogenic. A genotype-phenotype severity correlation was established in 60.5% of the patients evaluated. The ancestral component of the study population was predominantly European, followed by native-American and African in lower proportion. Conclusions: Genetic testing by LDLR gene sequencing in patients identified as "index cases" with clinical diagnosis of familial hypercholesterolemia allows the correlation between the genetic information and the severity of the clinical phenotype to a cascade testing of the family members presenting the inclusion criteria considered.

Chemical composition and hypocholesterolemic effect of milk kefir and water kefir in Wistar rats / Composição química e efeito hipocolesterolêmico do kefir de leite e do kefir de água em ratos Wistar

ABSTRACT Objective To compare the effects of fermented kefir on the nutritional, physiological, and biochemical parameters of rats. Methods Grains of milk kefir (whole and skimmed) and water kefir (brown sugar) were used. The chemical composition analysis was performed on substrates and fermented beverages. The rats were evaluated for weight gain, body mass index, as well as their food, water, kefir, and calorie intake. We also evaluated their energy efficiency coefficient, weight of organs, in addition to their serum, and hepatic biochemistry. Results Fermentation increased the acid content index owing to degradation of lactose and brown sugar. The animals consumed more kefir, reducing the intake of chow and water. Kefir did not alter body and organ weight, while improving the lipid profile. Conclusion Water kefir with brown sugar was more effective in improving the lipid profile.

RESUMO Objetivo Este estudo tem como objetivo comparar os efeitos dos fermentados de kefir sobre parâmetros nutricionais, fisiológicos e bioquímicos de ratos. Métodos Foram utilizados grãos de kefir de leite (integral e desnatado) e de água (açúcar mascavo). A composição química foi realizada nos substratos e fermentados. Foram avaliados nos ratos: ganho de peso; índice de massa corporal; ingestão de ração, água, kefir e calorias; coeficiente de eficiência energética; peso dos órgãos; e bioquímica sérica e hepática. Resultados A fermentação elevou o índice de compostos ácidos a partir da degradação da lactose e do açúcar mascavo. Os animais consumiram mais kefir, diminuindo a ingestão de ração e água. O kefir não alterou o peso corporal e dos órgãos, melhorando ainda o perfil lipídico. Conclusão O kefir de água com açúcar mascavo foi mais eficaz na melhora do perfil lipídico.

Early Effects of Intensive Lipid-Lowering Treatment on Plaque Characteristics Assessed by Virtual Histology Intravascular Ultrasound

PURPOSE: The effects of short-term intensive lipid-lowering treatment on coronary plaque composition have not yet been sufficiently evaluated. We investigated the influence of short-term intensive lipid-lowering treatment on quantitative and qualitative changes in plaque components of non-culprit lesions in patients with acute coronary syndrome. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a prospective, randomized, open-label, single-center trial. Seventy patients who underwent both baseline and three-month follow-up virtual histology intravascular ultrasound were randomly assigned to either an intensive lipid-lowering treatment group (ezetimibe/simvastatin 10/40 mg, n=34) or a control statin treatment group (pravastatin 20 mg, n=36). Using virtual histology intravascular ultrasound, plaque was characterized as fibrous, fibro-fatty, dense calcium, or necrotic core. Changes in plaque components during the three-month lipid-lowering treatment were compared between the two groups. RESULTS: Compared with the control statin treatment group, there was a significant reduction in low-density lipoprotein cholesterol in the intensive lipid-lowering treatment group (-20.4±17.1 mg/dL vs. -36.8±17.4 mg/dL, respectively; p<0.001). There were no statistically significant differences in baseline, three-month follow-up, or serial changes of gray-scale intravascular ultrasound parameters between the two groups. The absolute volume of fibro-fatty plaque was significantly reduced in the intensive lipid-lowering treatment group compared with the control group (-1.5±3.4 mm3 vs. 0.8±4.7 mm3, respectively; p=0.024). A linear correlation was found between changes in low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels and changes in the absolute volumes of fibro-fatty plaque (p<0.001, R2=0.209). CONCLUSION: Modification of coronary plaque may be attainable after only three months of intensive lipid-lowering treatment.

Effects ofTiaozhi-Tongluo decoction combined with atorvastatin tablets on type 2 diabetes mellitus and lipid metabolism in patients with hyperlipidemia / 国际中医中药杂志

Objective To observe the effects ofTiaozhi-Tongluo decoction combined with atorvastatin tablets on type 2 diabetes mellitus and lipid metabolism in patients with hyperlipidemia.Methods All patients were recruited into a control group and an observation group. Patients in both groups were performed diet control, reasonable exercise, and routine oral sulfonylureas and biguanides to make glucose level in a normal range. The control group was treated with atorvastatin tablets, 20 mg/d. While the observation group was treated with atorvastatin tablets plusTiaozhi-Tongluo decoction. After both groups were treated for 6 months, the blood glucose and blood lipid level were detected for the evaluation of clinical curative effect.Results The total effective rates in the observation group and the control group were 87.5%(56/64)and 73.0%(46/63), respectively, the difference was statistically significant (χ2=4.213,P=0.040). The serum levels of total cholesterol (4.31 ± 1.11 mmol/Lvs.5.62 ± 1.34 mmol/L,t=6.004) and triglyceride (1.73 ± 0.53 mmol/Lvs. 2.57 ± 1.01 mmol/L,t=5.855) in the observation group were significant lower than those in the control group. The levels of fasting plasma glucose (6.31 ± 1.64 mmol/Lvs.7.21 ± 1.71 mmol/L,t=3.027) , 2-h postchallenge plasma glucose (8.81 ± 1.39 mmol/Lvs.9.69 ± 1.55 mmol/L,t=3.370), and glycosylated hemoglobin (6.79% ± 1.61%vs.7.96% ± 1.72%,t=3.958) in the observation group after treatment were significantly decreased than the control group (P<0.01).ConclusionTiaozhi-Tongluodecoction combined with atorvastatin can reduce serum total cholesterol and triacylglycerol, and it is superior to atorvastatin alone in reducing lipidemia in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients with hyperlipidemia.

Nuevos fármacos para el tratamiento de la hipercolesterolemia / New lipid lowering agents

Statins are the preferred treatment for hypercholesterolemia and several studies have demonstrated their long-term safety and efficacy in reducing cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. However, in some cases of severe hypercholesterolemia such as homozygous and heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia or statin intolerant patients, statins can be less efficient. In recent years, new lipid-lowering agents with novel mechanisms of action have been developed to reduce LDL-cholesterol in patients with severe hypercholesterolemia, associated or not to conventional lipid-lowering therapy. These therapies include microsomal transfer protein inhibitor (Lomitapide), antisense oligonucleotide to Apo B100 (Mipomersen) and monoclonal antibodies against Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9). Different studies have shown the great effectiveness of these new therapies. Short-term studies confirmed their adequate security profile, especially in patients with homozygous familiar hypercholesterolemia or severe hypercholesterolemia. Some of these agents have been also tested in statin-intolerant patients. However, long-term studies are needed to evaluate their safety, effectiveness and impact on cardiovascular risk reduction.

Efeitos pleiotrópicos das estatinas na sepse / Pleiotropic effects of statins in sepsis

O objetivo do presente estudo foi revisar os efeitos da terapia com estatinas em pacientes com quadro de sepse. Foi realizada uma busca bibliográfica de artigos na base de dados MEDLINE/PubMed, SciELO e LILACS, no período de publicação delimitado entre 2009 e 2013. Foram incluídos artigos referentes a ensaios clínicos randomizados controlados e estudos de coorte observacionais clínicos. Foram encontrados diversos estudos clínicos e observacionais que investigaram o efeito do uso de estatinas em infecções e em sepse, tanto de uso contínuo pré-hospitalar (com ou sem interrupção durante internação) ou com início imediato pós-internação. Alguns estudos descrevem prováveis efeitos positivos e benéficos da terapia com estatinas no quadro de sepse, dentre eles a melhora dos parâmetros inflamatórios e da taxa de mortalidade, porém, esses resultados não se sustentam quando são aplicados métodos estatísticos que levamem conta diferentes variáveis, tais como idade, sexo, comorbidades e gravidade da doença. Até o momento nenhum estudo demonstrou evidências sólidas e significativas quanto à redução de mortalidadee morbidade no quadro séptico associado ao uso de estatinas, indicando que seu efeito benéfico e protetor ainda não foi plenamente delimitado, sendo necessários mais estudos que confirmem os resultados até agora encontrados.

The objective of this study was to review the effects of statin therapy in patients with signs of sepsis. A bibliographic search of articles published between 2009-2013 was performed in the MEDLINE/PubMed, SciELO and LILACS databases. Randomized controlled trials and observational clinical cohort studies were included. The results show that several clinical and observational studies have investigated the effect of statin in infection and sepsis, both pre-hospital continuous use (with or without interruption during hospitalization) or starting immediately post-hospitalization. Some studies describe positive and beneficial effects of statin therapy in the contextof sepsis, including improvement on inflammatory parameters and mortality rates. However, these results do not hold on when statistic methods, which take into account different variables such as age, sex, comorbidities and severity disease, are applied. To date, no study has demonstrated strong and significant evidence regarding the reduction of morbidity and mortality in sepsis associated with the use of statin. This indicates that beneficial and protective effects have not been fully defined yet. More researches are required to confirm the results found so far.

Effectiveness of lipid-lowering therapy among a sample of patients in Colombia / Eficacia del tratamiento hipolipemiante en una muestra de pacientes de Colombia

OBJECTIVE: To determine the effectiveness of lipid-lowering therapy in a sample of patients affiliated with the Sistema General de Seguridad Social en Salud (the Colombian health system). METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted from 1 January 2010-30 June 2011. From a total of 8 316 patients in 10 cities, a random sample of 600 was stratified according to dyslipidemia. Information on sociodemographic and anthropometric characteristics, risk factors, and pharmacological and laboratory variables were obtained from medical records. RESULTS: Subjects were predominantly female (56.2%), with a mean age of 65.1 ± 11.5 years; 93.2% had hypertension; 29.0%, diabetes mellitus; and 10.2%, a history of myocardial infarction. The patients were being treated with lovastatin (84.1%) or gemfibrozil (12.3%)-both at doses below what is recommended-or atorvastatin (1.8%). In patients with high cardiovascular risk, 38.6% achieved goals for low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels (<100 mg/dL). Among those at moderate risk, 49.4% reached the target level (< 130 mg/dL). On average, there was a 4.9% reduction in LDL-C. Sex, age, history of cardiovascular disease and/or diabetes mellitus, use of hydrochlorothiazide, and poor therapy adherence were statistically associated with a lack of dyslipidemia control. CONCLUSIONS: Because a lack LDL-C control occurred in patients with two or more of the following variables: male, more than 55 years of age, diabetes and/or a history of cardiovascular disease, received lower doses of lovastatin, or non-adherent to treatment, it is recommended that medication be increased based on clearly-defined therapeutic goals and that comorbidities be assessed and effectively treated.

OBJETIVO: Determinar la eficacia del tratamiento hipolipemiante en una muestra de pacientes afiliados al Sistema General de Seguridad Social en Salud de Colombia. MÉTODOS: Se llevó a cabo un estudio transversal desde el 1 de enero del 2010 al 30 de junio del 2011. De un total de 8 316 pacientes de 10 ciudades seleccionadas, se estratificó una muestra aleatoria de 600 pacientes en función de la dislipidemia. A partir de los expedientes médicos, se obtuvo información sobre las características sociodemográficas y antropométricas, los factores de riesgo y las variables farmacológicas y de laboratorio. RESULTADOS: En la muestra predominaban las mujeres (56,2%) y la media de la edad era de 65,1 ± 11,5 años; 93,2% de los pacientes eran hipertensos; 29,0% eran diabéticos; y 10,2% tenían antecedentes de infarto de miocardio. Los pacientes recibían tratamiento con lovastatina (84,1%) o gemfibrozilo (12,3%) -ambos a dosis inferiores a las recomendadas- o atorvastatina (1,8%). El 38,6% de los pacientes con alto riesgo de enfermedad cardiovascular alcanzaron los objetivos de reducción de los niveles de colesterol unido a lipoproteínas de baja densidad (C-LDL) (< 100 mg/dL). El 49,4% de los pacientes que presentaban un riesgo moderado también alcanzaron los niveles fijados como objetivo (< 130 mg/dL). En promedio, hubo una reducción de 4,9% del C-LDL. El sexo, la edad, los antecedentes personales de enfermedad cardiovascular y diabetes, la administración de hidroclorotiazida y la deficiente adherencia al tratamiento se asociaron estadísticamente con una falta de control de la dislipidemia. CONCLUSIONES: Dado que se produjo un control deficitario del C-LDL en pacientes con dos o más de las siguientes variables: varones, mayores de 55 años, diabéticos o con antecedentes de enfermedad cardiovascular, que recibían dosis bajas de lovastatina, o mostraban falta de adherencia al tratamiento, se recomienda que se aumente la medicación con base en objetivos terapéuticos claramente definidos y que se evalúen y se traten eficazmente las comorbilidades.

Proactive Multifactorial Intervention Strategy Reduces the Risk of Cardiovascular Disease Estimated with Region-Specific Risk Assessment Models in Pacific Asian Patients Participating in the CRUCIAL Trial

Despite race, ethnic, and regional differences in cardiovascular disease risk, many worldwide hypertension management guidelines recommend the use of the Framingham coronary heart disease (CHD) risk equation to guide treatment decisions. This subanalysis of the recently published CRUCIAL trial compared the treatment-related reductions in calculated CHD and stroke risk among Pacific Asian (PA) patients using a variety of region-specific risk assessment models. As a result, greater reductions in systolic and diastolic blood pressure, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and triglycerides were observed in the proactive multifactorial intervention (PMI) arm compared with the usual care arm at Week 52 for PA patients. The relative percentage change in 10-yr CHD risk between baseline and Week 52 in the PMI versus usual care arms was greatest using the NIPPON DATA80 fatal CHD model (LS [least square] mean difference -42.6%), and similar in the SCORE fatal CHD and Framingham total CHD models (LS mean difference -29.4% and -30.8%, respectively). The single-pill based PMI approach is consistently effective in reducing cardiovascular disease risk, evaluated using a variety of risk assessment models. (ClinicalTrials.gov registration number: NCT00407537)

Rosuvastatina e ciprofibrato no tratamento da dislipidemia em pacientes com HIV / Rosuvastatin and ciprofibrate in the treatment of dyslipidemia in patients with HIV

FUNDAMENTO: A dislipidemia secundária à terapia antirretroviral potente nos pacientes com HIV está associada à significativa elevação da morbimortalidade cardiovascular por doença aterosclerótica, sendo, portanto, necessário tratamento imediato e eficaz. OBJETIVO: Demonstrar a efetividade e a segurança da rosuvastatina e do ciprofibrato no tratamento da dislipidemia associada à terapia antirretroviral potente em pacientes com HIV. MÉTODOS: Trezentos e quarenta e seis pacientes com dislipidemia foram submetidos a tratamento farmacológico: 200 pacientes com hipertrigliceridemia receberam ciprofibrato (Grupo I); 79 pacientes com hipercolesterolemia receberam rosuvastatina (Grupo II); e 67 pacientes com dislipidemia mista receberam ciprofibrato associado a rosuvastatina (Grupo III). O perfil lipídico foi avaliado antes e após o tratamento hipolipemiante, sendo feita comparação estatística pelo teste de Wilcoxon. Transaminases hepáticas e creatinofosfoquinase foram dosadas para controle de toxicidade hepática e muscular. RESULTADOS: As concentrações séricas de triglicérides e de colesterol total foram significativamente menores do que as obtidas antes do tratamento, para os três grupos experimentais (p < 0,002). Observou-se aumento significativo do HDL colesterol nos grupos experimentais I e III (p < 0,002). Nos grupos I e II, o LDL-colesterol foi significativamente menor (p < 0,001). Nenhum dos pacientes apresentou elevações de transaminases ou de creatinofosfoquinase a níveis de toxicidade significativa. CONCLUSÃO: Os resultados deste estudo demonstram que ciprofibrato, rosuvastatina ou a combinação de ambos pode ser considerada tratamento hipolipemiante efetivo, seguro e com boa tolerância nos pacientes com Aids submetidos à terapia antirretroviral potente.

BACKGROUND: Dyslipidemia secondary to highly active antiretroviral therapy in patients with HIV is associated with a significant increase in cardiovascular morbidity and mortality due to atherosclerotic disease, requiring, thus, immediate and effective treatment. OBJECTIVE: To demonstrate the effectiveness and safety of rosuvastatin and ciprofibrate in the treatment of dyslipidemia associated with highly active antiretroviral therapy in patients with HIV. METHODS: Three hundred and forty-six patients with dyslipidemia underwent pharmacological treatment as follows: 200 patients with hypertriglyceridemia received ciprofibrate (Group I); 79 patients with hypercholesterolemia received rosuvastatin (Group II); and 67 patients with mixed dyslipidemia received ciprofibrate associated with rosuvastatin (Group III). The lipid profile was assessed before and after the lipid-lowering treatment, and the Wilcoxon test was used for statistical comparison. Liver transaminases and creatine phosphokinase were measured to assess liver and muscle toxicity. RESULTS: The serum concentrations of triglycerides and total cholesterol were significantly lower than those obtained before the lipid-lowering treatment in the three experimental groups (p < 0.002). A significant increase in HDL-cholesterol was observed in Groups I and III (p < 0.002). In Groups I and II, LDL-cholesterol was significantly lower (p < 0.001). None of the patients experienced elevations in transaminases or creatine phosphokinase to significantly toxic levels. CONCLUSION: The results of this study show that ciprofibrate and rosuvastatin or a combination of both can be considered an effective, safe and well-tolerated lipid-lowering treatment for patients with AIDS on highly active antiretroviral therapy.

Prevention of contrast-induced nephropathy with atorvastatin in patients with acute myocardial infarction undergoing elective percutaneous coronary intervention / 中华全科医师杂志

The study intended to evaluate the effect of high-dese atorvastafin on serum high sensitive C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) and renal function in patients with acute myocardial infarction undergoing elective pereutancous coronary intervention ( PCI ). One hundred and sixty seven patients were randomly divided into two groups: in test group (n =84) patients received oral atorvastatin 80 mg/d and in control group (n = 83) patients received atorvastatin 20 mg/d, the medication in both groups was lasted for 7 days before PCL Compared to levels at 24 h before PCI, serum hs-CRP and creatinine levels at 48 h after PCI were increased in both groups ( both P < 0. 05), and glomerular filtration rate was decreased ( P < 0. 05 ). Compared to control group, serum hs-CRP and creatinine levels 24 h before PCI and 48 h after PCI in test group were significantly lower, and glomerular filtration rate was significantly higher (P <0. 05, respectively). The incidence of contrast-induced nephropathy was lower in test group than that in control group[7% (6/84) vs.18% (15/83), P <0.05]. The results indicate that high-dose atorvastatin might be effective in protecting patients with acute myocardial infarction undergoing elective PCI from contrast-induced nephropathy via inflammatory response inhibition.

Lipid lowering drugs induced adverse cutaneous drug reactions

Background: Lipid lowering drugs (LLDs) are widely used. However, reports on its adverse cutaneous drug reactions (ACDRs) are scarce. Objectives: The study objective was to review the patterns of LLD induced ACDRs. Methods: We reviewed all LLDs induced ACDRs reported to MADRAC (Malaysian Adverse Drug Reaction Advisory Committee) from January 2005 till December 2009. Results: LLD induced ACDRs (124 patients) comprised of 2.07% of all ACDRs reported during the study period. Statins were responsible for most cases (81.5%), followed by fibrates (15.8%), selective cholesterol-absorption inhibitors (1.4%) and combination therapies (statin/selective cholesterol-absorption inhibitors and selective prostaglandin-2 receptor inhibitor/ niacin) in 1.4%. Majority were due to lovastatin (42.5%), simvastatin (28.1%) and gemfibrozil (8.9%). The three commonest ACDRs reported with statins usage were non-specific dermatitis (45.0%), pruritus/stinging (25.0%) and urticaria/angioedema (10.0%) while fibrates caused non-specific dermatitis (52.2%), urticaria/angioedema (13.0%) and photodermatitis (9.7%). There was no reported case of photodermatitis associated with statin usage. Interestingly, statins were the offending drugs resulting in all the five cases of vesiculobullous eruptions, two cases of Stevens-Johnson syndrome and one case of dermatomyositis. No mortalities were reported to be associated with LLD induced ACDRs. Conclusions: LLD induced ACDRs were not uncommon. Statins were the main putative drugs implicated in those reactions. Spectrum of ACDRs differed between statin and fibrate although non-specific dermatitis remained the main ACDRs in both classes. The unavailability of guided and classified ACDRs reporting accounted for the large number of non-specific dermatitis. Although most LLD induced ACDRs were mild, statins were reported to cause severe ACDRs.

Effect of atorvastatin on tau protein phosphorylation in hippocampus of hypercholesteremic mouse / 中华老年医学杂志

Objective To investigate the phosphorylation of tau protein and the effect of atorvastatin on tau protein phosphorylation in hypercholesteremic mouse hippocampus. Methods Male Kunming mice were randomly divided into normal control group, hypercholesteremia group, and low-dose atorvastatin treatment group (8mg·kg-1·d-1), middle-dose group (15mg·kg-1·d-1),and high-dose group (20mg·kg-1·d-1) with five mice in each group. The hypercholesteremia mouse model was induced by cholesterol-enriched diets. The expression level of tau protein phosphorylation in mouse hippocampus was detected by Western blot and immunohistochemistry methods. The activities of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and cyelin dependent kinase 5 (Cdk-5) were measured by liquid scintillation counting of the hippocampus incorporated radioactivity and immunoprecipetation activity assay respectively. Results In hypercholesteremic group, the expression level of tau protein phosphorylation in mouse hippocampus was significantly increased(F=14.761,P＜0.01)as compared with control group, and so were MAPK activity and Cdk-5 activity(all P＜0.01). Atorvastatin treatment group showed the decreased expression level of tau protein phosphorylation at ser396/404 site in low-dose group (F=6.349,P＜0.05),middle-dose group (F=10.283,P＜0.01) and high-dose group (F=10.511,P＜0.01) as compared with hypercholesteremia mouse group. The activities of MAPK and Cdk-5 were decreased along with the increasing atorvastatin doses. Conclusions Hypercholesteremia induces tau protein hyperphosphorylation in mouse hippocampus. Abnormal cholesterol metabolism may play an important role in the pathology process of neurodegeneration in brain. Atorvastatin might inhibit tau protein hyperphosphorylation by inhibiting the activations of MAPK and Cdk-5 in brain, atorvastatin may have the protect effect for tau protein.