The effects of simvastatin treatment on plasma lipid-related biomarkers in men with dyslipidaemia

Biomarkers. 2011 Jun;16(4):321-33. doi: 10.3109/1354750X.2011.561367. Epub 2011 Mar 21.

Abstract

Background: Lipidomic biomarkers will facilitate the development of novel anti-atherosclerotic therapies.

Objective: To evaluate the responses of circulating biomarkers to simvastatin treatment.

Methods: A randomized, cross-over study in men with mixed dyslipidaemia was used to compare effects of simvastatin 40 mg/day with placebo.

Results: Plasma concentrations of nine fatty acids (FA; of 33 evaluated) were reduced significantly by simvastatin. No changes in the rates of FA synthesis or in hepatic lipase or lipoprotein lipase activities were apparent. Circulating proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) levels increased.

Conclusion: We identified lipidomic biomarkers of simvastatin treatment effect that are consistent with statin inhibition of 3-hydroxy-3-methyl-glutaryl coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase (ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT00935259).

Publication types

  • Randomized Controlled Trial
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Biomarkers / blood
  • Cross-Over Studies
  • Double-Blind Method
  • Dyslipidemias / drug therapy*
  • Fatty Acids / blood
  • Humans
  • Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors / blood
  • Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors / therapeutic use
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Proprotein Convertase 9
  • Proprotein Convertases
  • Serine Endopeptidases / blood
  • Simvastatin / administration & dosage*
  • Simvastatin / pharmacology
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Biomarkers
  • Fatty Acids
  • Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors
  • Simvastatin
  • PCSK9 protein, human
  • Proprotein Convertase 9
  • Proprotein Convertases
  • Serine Endopeptidases

Associated data

  • ClinicalTrials.gov/NCT00935259