Cookies on this website

We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you click 'Accept all cookies' we'll assume that you are happy to receive all cookies and you won't see this message again. If you click 'Reject all non-essential cookies' only necessary cookies providing core functionality such as security, network management, and accessibility will be enabled. Click 'Find out more' for information on how to change your cookie settings.

Inflammation is an important process and an underlying mechanism involved in atherogenesis as well as the clinical manifestations following coronary artery disease (CAD). Evidence suggests that chronic heart failure (CHF) is associated with an increased inflammatory process. Pro-inflammatory cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-a), interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-1 (IL-1) and adhesion molecules are elevated in states of CHF and are related to long term prognosis. Statins are among the most effective compounds reducing morbidity and mortality in patients with, or at increased risk of, CAD. Efficacy and safety of statin treatment has not been validated in patients with CHF. Several studies have reported that statins could be beneficial in patients with CHF. In addition, the beneficial effects of statins have been largely attributed to their anti-inflammatory properties. However, recent randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials reported that statins did not affect clinical outcomes in patients with CHF of any cause. These data support the notion that current immunomodulation approaches in heart failure are not successful. Thus, more large scale clinical trials are required to evaluate the impact of statins on immune imbalance and its restoration in patients with CHF.

Original publication

DOI

10.2174/157016110790226589

Type

Journal article

Journal

Curr Vasc Pharmacol

Publication Date

01/2010

Volume

8

Pages

114 - 121

Keywords

Animals, Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal, Cell Adhesion Molecules, Heart Failure, Humans, Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors, Immunologic Factors, Immunomodulation, Inflammation, Inflammation Mediators, Prognosis