The impact of statin therapy on plasma levels of von Willebrand factor antigen

Abstract

0.30, p=0.431). The lowering effect of statins on plasma vWF:Ag levels was greater in the subset of studies lasting ≥ 12 weeks (SMD: -0.70, 95 %CI: -1.19, -0.22, p=0.005) compared with that of studies lasting < 12 weeks (SMD: -0.34, 95 %CI: -0.67, 0.003, p=0.052). Finally, low-intensity statin therapy was not associated with a significant reduction in vWF:Ag levels (SMD: -0.28, 95 %CI: -0.82, 0.27, p=0.320), but a significant effect was observed in high-intensity statin trials (SMD: -0.66, 95 %CI: -1.07, -0.24, p=0.002). This meta-analysis of available RCTs demonstrates a significant reduction in plasma vWF:Ag levels following statin therapy.

The Role of von Willebrand Factor in Vascular Inflammation: From Pathogenesis to Targeted Therapy

“…Colchicine, an alkaloid with anti-inflammatory effects, inhibits VWF release inducing microtubule disruption [32]. Statin, lipid-lowering medications with anti-inflammatory effects, recently demonstrated to significantly reduce plasma levels of VWF [94]. Low-molecular weight heparins (LMWHs) can, directly and indirectly, antagonize VWF activity through antithrombotic and anti-inflammatory mechanisms [95–97].…”

Regulatory T cells: Possible mediators for the anti-inflammatory action of statins

“…Statins are amongst the most commonly used medicines in preventative cardiology. In addition to their well-documented lipid-lowering effects meditated through inhibition of 3-hydroxy-3methylglutaryl-coenzyme A, considerable evidence suggests that additional 'pleiotropic' effects may contribute to the anti-atherosclerotic effects of these drugs [1][2][3][4][5][6]. In particular, antiinflammatory effects mediated through the induction of suppressor regulatory T cells (Tregs).…”

Efficacy of Statin Therapy in Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

“…These findings are of clinical interest, since the use of statins in PAH treatment is thought to be beneficial due to their antiproliferative, anti-inflammatory, and pro-apoptotic pleiotropic effects as well as the ability to restore endothelial vasoactive mediator production 26 . Various studies linked statin effects with the pathogenesis of pulmonary hypertension and various biomarkers 27 , through analyzing the relation between statins, endothelin-1 and PAH 28 29 , statins, asymmetric dimethylarginine and PAH 30 31 32 , statins, D-dimers and PAH 33 34 , statins, von Willebrand factor antigen and PAH 35 36 or fibrinogen and PAH 37 38 . Until now, the results obtained using statins on PAH parameters in different animal models have been contradictory.…”