The inhibitory effect of statins on urinary 11-dehydrothromboxane levels.

AIM: Elevated urinary 11-dehydrothromboxane levels place patients at an increased risk for experiencing cardiovascular events. Statins exert an inhibitory effect on platelets. The aim of our study was to determine the effect of 3-month statin therapy on 11-dehydrothromboxane elimination in two groups of patients, one not receiving antiplatelet therapy with acetylsalicylic acid and the other receiving 100 mg acetylsalicylic acid per day.

METHODS

We examined the urinary levels of 11-dehydrothromboxane in a total of 58 patients before and after 3-month therapy with a statin at standard doses (simvastatin, fluvastatin, atorvastatin). We also examined the plasma levels of total cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL- and HDL-cholesterol, C-reactive protein, and blood glucose.

RESULTS

After 3-month statin therapy, both groups of patients (with and without antiplatelet therapy) showed a significant decrease in urinary 11-dehydrothromboxane levels. Significant decreases were also seen in LDL- and total cholesterol, and C-reactive protein. Changes in the other parameters were not significant.

CONCLUSION

Three-month statin therapy significant reduces the rate of 11-dehydrothromboxane elimination, even in patients on acetylsalicylic acid. In addition to its usual lipid-lowering effect, it significantly decreases the plasma levels of C-reactive protein. Combination therapy with a statin plus acetylsalicylic acid may be effective even in patients with incomplete thromboxane inhibition on antiplatelet therapy with acetylsalicylic acid.