Abstract
ICAM-1 (intercellular cell-adhesion molecule-1) and VCAM-1 (vascular cell-adhesion molecule-1) are cell-adhesion molecules that have an essential role in monocyte recruitment. In the present study we have investigated (i) whether statins reduce soluble levels of ICAM-1 (sICAM-1) and VCAM-1 (sVCAM-1), and the relationship between resistance of LDL (low-density lipoprotein) to in vitro oxidation and sICAM-1 and sVCAM-1 levels. Whole blood samples were obtained from 55 healthy non-smoking adults (aged 35-65 years) with moderate (LDL-cholesterol, 3.4-4.9 mmol/l) hypercholesterolaemia participating in a randomized double-blinded, 8-week trial comparing pravastatin (40 mg), simvastatin (20 and 80 mg) and placebo. sICAM-1 levels (means ± S.D.) increased slightly from 12.2 ± 4.2 to 13.6 ± 4.2 ng/ml with statin therapy, whereas, among placebo-assigned subjects, levels were unchanged (11.8 ± 5.0 and 11.8 ± 3.9 ng/ml). sVCAM-1 increased from 18.9 ± 10.1 to 21.1 ± 7.4 ng/ml among those on active therapy and slightly declined with placebo assignment (19.8 ± 8.8 to 19.4 ± 6.4 ng/ml). Lag times increased with statin therapy from 74.3 ± 39.8 min to 98.3 ± 57.8 min (P = 0.003), and were unchanged in the placebo group (from 103.1 ± 61.1 to 90.8 ± 65.9 min; P = 0.48). There were no significant changes between statin and placebo therapy for sICAM-1, sVCAM-1 or lag times (P = 0.09, 0.16 and 0.067 respectively). Changes in sICAM-1 and sVCAM-1 were not correlated with the change in lag times. In contrast with the known effects of oxidized LDL on gene activation of ICAM-1 and VCAM-1, lag times did not correlate with sICAM-1 and sVCAM-1. Statin therapy improved lag times, but has no effect on sICAM-1 or sVCAM-1 levels.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 215-217 |
Number of pages | 3 |
Journal | Clinical Science |
Volume | 106 |
Issue number | 2 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Feb 2004 |
Externally published | Yes |
Keywords
- Adhesion molecules
- Cholesterol-lowering drug
- Hypercholesterolaemia
- Oxidized lipid
- Statin