Abstract
PURPOSE: We have previously shown that a "short-term, low-dose" treatment approach with statins, angiotensin receptor blockers, and especially their low-dose combination, is effective in improving arterial wall properties in apparently healthy middle-age men. This study was performed to expand investigation of its effects on inflammation and oxidative stress.
METHODS: The study was performed supplementary to 3 previous studies, overall 65 treated participants (25 received fluvastatin 10 mg, 20 valsartan 20 mg, 20 their combination) and 65 participants placebo. The stored blood samples (collected at inclusion and after 30 days of treatment) were used to measure high-sensitivity CRP, interleukin-6, vascular cell adhesion molecule-1, total antioxidant status, glutathione peroxidase, and selenium concentration.
RESULTS: A low-dose combination decreased inflammation parameters (high-sensitivity CRP: from 1.2 +/- 0.1 to 0.7 +/- 0.1 mg/L; P < .001; vascular cell adhesion molecule-1: from 523 +/- 21 to 482 +/- 12 pg/mL; P < .05; while interleukin-6 did not reach the level of significance). It also increased antioxidant defenses, as measured by total antioxidant status and glutathione peroxidase (from 1.4 +/- 0.04 to 1.5 +/- 0.04 mmol/L; P < .01, and from 1.2 +/- 0.06 to 1.4 +/- 0.06 [mu]kat/g hemoglobin; P < .05, respectively), accompanied by decreased selenium levels. Low-dose valsartan was separately less effective than the combination. No changes were observed in the control groups.
CONCLUSIONS: Low-dose combination of fluvastatin and valsartan and, to a lesser extent low-dose valsartan alone, produced important anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative effects. These results confirm and extend the potential of the "short-term, low-dose" preventive strategy.