The influence of statin supplementation on inflammatory markers in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Abstract

Background: Statins have anti-inflammatory effects in patients with COPD. This may lead to reduction in production of proinflammatory cytokines. Aims: The study aimed to evaluate the effects of statin on serum hs-CRP, IL-6 levels and pulmonary function in patients with COPD. Materials and Methods: Twenty Participants were block randomized to receive 40mg Atrovastatin/day in addition to conventional treatment (Intervention group) and rest 20 patients received only conventional treatment (Non Intervention group). Pulmonary function test, 6 min walk distance test and BODE Index were measured. Serum IL-6 and hsCRP levels were measured by ELISA method. All these parameters were repeated after 03 months . Results: The difference between baseline and 03 months was calculated for both groups in term of serum hs-CRP, IL-6, FEV1, 6MWD and BODE Index. No significant improvement was observed between both the groups in the hsCRP levels at the baseline ( p =0.57) and after 03 month (p=0.63).However, a significant decrease in IL-6 levels (24.06±4.46 to 12.78± 2.41, p=0.001) , FEV1 (38.5±16.7 to 43.12±18.75; p=0.001), exercise capacity (6MWD=566.53±41.5 to 714.02± 45.9, p=0.002), and BODE Index (3.95±1.9 to 4.65±2.28, p=0.019) respectively was found after 03 months in the intervention group. No significant improvement was observed in control group for the above mentioned variables. Conclusion: Atorvastatin Supplementation does not seem to alter hsCRP levels. However it does lead to a significant decrease in IL-6 Levels as compared to conventional therapy. Also, it might contribute to improvement in pulmonary function, exercise capacity and BODE Index in patients with COPD.