The effect of high-dose lovastatin therapy on patients with acute cerebral infarction

Abstract

Cerebrovascular disease (CVD) is the third most common cause of death worldwide and responsible for stroke and transient ischemic attack. This study aimed to investigate the clinical efficacy of high-dose lovastatin on patients with acute cerebral infarction. 150 patients with acute cerebral infarction were randomized divided into control group (n=50), 80 mg/d lovastatin (80 L) group (n=50) and 20 mg/d lovastatin (20 L) group (n=50). Control group, 80 L group and 20 L group received conventional treatment, conventional treatment together with lovastatin 80 mg/d and conventional treatment as well as lovastatin 20 mg/d respectively for 3 months. Biochemical indices, neurological deficit and plaque thickness and volume were assessed and recorded after treatment. After lovastatin treatment, the plasma levels of total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), low-density lipoprotein (LDL) were significantly decreased in 80 L group and 20 L group, and highdensity lipoprotein (HDL) were significantly increased in 80 L group and 20 L group (p<0.05). Moreover, lovastatin could also decrease MMP-9 and hs-CRP levels (p<0.05). Furthermore, improved neurological deficit were found in lovastatin treatment groups. In addition, lovastatin treatment also improved plaque states include plaque thickness and volume in 80 L group and 20 L group (p<0.05). What's more, high-dose lovastatin a better ability in regulated plasma lipid levels, inflammation, neurological deficit and plaque thickness and volume than low-dose of lovastatin. Lovastatin could improve acute cerebral infarction and high-dose lovastatin treatment was better than low-dose lovastatin treatment.