Effect of early atorvastatin on inflammatory factors in patients with acute coronary syndrome and normal lipidemia

Objective To study the effect of early atorvastatin on serum interleukin 6 (IL-6) and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP)in patients with acute coronary syndrome and normal lipid level. Methods 80 patients of ACS with normal lipid level were divided into routine controlled group (n=40) treated with conventional drugs and atorvastatin group (n=40) treated with atorvastatin 10mg per day within 48 hours from symptom onset. 40 healthy subjects were selected as normal controlled group. The level of IL-6 and hs-CRP were measured before and after 2 and 4 weeks treatment. Results The lipid level in two ACS groups were similar to normal controlled group, but IL-6 and hs-CRP level increased significantly(P0.01=. After two weeks treatment with atorvastatin, the lipid level were not significant changed, but IL-6 and hs-CRP decreased significantly(P0.01=. After four weeks treatment with atorvastatin, the total cholesterol, low density lipoprotein cholesterol, IL-6 and hs-CRP were all lowered significantly (P0.05=. Conclusion The inflammatory may exist in patients of ACS with normal lipid level. Atorvastatin possess anti-inflammatory effect which independent of its lipid lowering action, and the rapid anti-inflammatory effect of atorvastatin might play an important role in the early treatment of ACS with normal lipid level.