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Revista chilena de cardiología
On-line version ISSN 0718-8560
Abstract
ALCAINO, Hernán et al. Treatment with atorvastatin reduces the activity of xanthine oxydase bound to endothelium in patients with chronic heart failure. Rev Chil Cardiol [online]. 2009, vol.28, n.2, pp.139-149. ISSN 0718-8560. http://dx.doi.org/10.4067/S0718-85602009000200001.
Background: An increased activity of endothelium bound xanthine oxydase (XOeb) may play an important role as a mediator of endothelial dysfunction in chronic heart failure (CHF). Statins reduce oxydative stress and improve endothelial dysfunction through mechanisms unrelated to cholesterol lowering. However, the effect of statins on XOeb activity is unknown. We hypothesized that atorvastatin administered for 6 weeks would reduce XOeb independently of changes in serum cholesterol levels. Methods: 25 patients with CHF (NYHA class II or III with ejection fraction <40% received placebo for 4 weeks followed by atorvastatin, 20mg per day, for 8 weeks. Blood samples were obtained before statin administration and 4 and 12 weeks later. Spectrophotometry was used to determine XOeb and uric aced levels. Results: Atorvastatin, but not placebo, reduced XOeb activity (p<0.01), and uric acid (p<0.05), total cholesterol (p<0.01), LDL-cholesterol (p<0.01) and triglyceride levels (p<0.05). No changes were observed in HDL and creatinine levels. There was no correlation between XOeb changes and changes in the other lipid parameters. Conclusion: The known improvement in endothelial dysfuncion related to statin use previously reported is associated to a decrease in XOec activity independently of changes in cholesterol levels, suggesting a new pleiotropic effect of statins.
Keywords : endothelial dysfunction; heart failure; statins; xanthine oxydase; oxydative stress.