Rosiglitazone and Atorvastatin Cut Cardiovascular Risk Markers in Diabetics

Researchers report that treatment with rosiglitazone alone and with atorvastatin improves lipid profiles and reduces levels of certain vascular inflammatory biomarkers in patients with type 2 diabetes. Senior investigator Dr. Wen-Ter Lai stated that, "In patients with diabetes mellitus, combination therapy with rosiglitazone and statin atorvastatin may provide beneficial anti-inflammatory effects for atherosclerosis."

To investigate this approach, Dr. Lai of Kaohsiung Medical University and colleagues studied 30 diabetic patients with hyperlipidemia who first were given rosiglitazone monotherapy at 4 mg per day for 3 months. Atorvastatin at 10 mg per day was then added, and the patients received the combination therapy for a further 3 months.

Following monotherapy, levels of the inflammatory biomarker high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) decreased by a significant 26% and adiponectin levels rose by 192%.

After combination therapy, hs-CRP levels fell significantly by another 23% and adiponectin levels fell by an additional 124%.

Furthermore, levels of matrix metalloproteinase-9 and soluble CD40 ligand fell significantly. There also was a significant decrease from baseline in serum levels of total and LDL cholesterol.

The researchers thus conclude that the combination approach may benefit such patients "by altering the inflammatory process and progression of atherosclerosis."

However, added Dr. Lai, "special attention should be paid to the possible side effects of thiazolidinediones."
Am J Cardiol March, 2006;97:646-650.

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