Abstract 331: Effects of Statins on Adiponectin Receptor Expression on Circulating Monocytes in Hypertensive and Dyslipidemic Subjects

Abstract

Introduction: Ample evidence exists in support of the anti-inflammatory and athero-protective properties of statins. AdipoR1 and AdipoR2 are receptors of adiponectin, which is an adipose tissue secreted protein with anti-inflammatory properties. Reduced AdipoR1/R2 expression is associated with hypertension, diabetes, and dyslipidemia. The aim of this ongoing study is to investigate whether statin treatment can affect the expression of AdipoR1/R2 on circulating monocytes in high-risk hypertensive and dyslipidemic subjects. Methods: Subjects with hypertension and dyslipidemia were recruited from the Vascular Health Clinic at McGill University, Montreal. All subjects had clinical indication for statin therapy, were statin naïve, and were prescribed low dose statin. After initiation of statin therapy, subjects were followed-up every 3-4 months for the length of one year. Blood samples were collected on the day of recruitment (baseline [pre-statins]) and at each follow-up (f/u) visit. Blood monocytes were isolated using a Magnetic Cell-Sorting technique with CD14+ Human Microbeads. RNA was isolated from monocytes to assess mRNA expression of AdipoR1/R2 using quantitative RT-PCR. Recruitment and f/u visits are ongoing. Results: A total of 13 subjects were recruited with 8 subjects having had at least one f/u visit. Baseline age of subjects (n=8) was 65.9 ± 9.2 years, with 62.5% of subjects being men, and 37.5% diabetic. Statin significantly decreased total cholesterol (pre: 5.8±0.7 mmol/L, post: 4.1±0.5 mmol/L, P= 0.001) and LDL levels (3.9±0.6 mmol/L, 2.1±0.3 mmol/L, P<0.001). When assessing all f/u combined, AdipoR1 and AdipoR2 mRNA expression on circulating monocytes was increased post-statin therapy by 1.37 and 1.41-fold, respectively, when compared to baseline levels, with a significant difference found in AdipoR2 (P=0.05). Furthermore, a trend for progressive increase in AdipoR1/R2 mRNA expression was detected across all f/u. Conclusion: Statin treatment in hypertensive and dyslipidemic subjects led to increased AdipoR1/R2 mRNA expression on circulating monocytes, which illustrates a novel mechanism through which statins may exert its anti-inflammatory effects and protect against cardiovascular diseases.