Influence of atorvastatin on lipids and human monocyte matrix metalloproteinase-9 in acute cerebral infarction

Abstract

Objective To observe the influence of atorvastatin on levels of lipids and human monocyte matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) in acute cerebral infarction. Methods 60 patients with acute cerebral infarction receive oral atorvastatin of 20 mg daily for 4 weeks. The changes of serum lipids and MMP-9 after treatment were determined. Results 4 weeks after atorvastatin therapy, levels of TC and LDL-C were significantly lower while HDL-C was significantly higher; the changes of the lipid levels were much more obvious in the treatment group than in the control group (P<0.05 and P<0.01). MMP-9 levels were reduced significantly (P<0.01). Conclusions Atorvastatin not only has effects on lipid levels but also on a marked reduction in MMP-9 level. Key words: Atorvastatin; Cerebral infarction; Lipids; Human monocyte matrix metalloproteinase-9