Improving Total-CholesterolHDL-Cholesterol Ratio Results in an Endothelial Dysfunction Recovery in Peripheral Artery Disease Patients

Abstract EN

Aims.

To evaluate the effects of variations of total-cholesterol/HDL-cholesterol ratio and the effects of the atorvastatin on endothelial function in peripheral artery disease (PAD).

Material and Methods.

A prospective, randomised controlled study was carried out in 150 PAD patients.

Patients randomized to the control group (n=75) were treated with antiplatelet drugs, angiotensin-converting-enzyme inhibitors and cardiovascular-risk-factor control.

Experimental group (n=75) also received treatment with atorvastatin for a month.

It was determined baseline nitrite plasma levels and total-cholesterol/HDL-cholesterol ratio and after one month of treatment in both groups.

It was also analysed the correlation between the gradient of nitrite levels and the differential of total-cholesterol/HDL ratio in treatment group.

Results.

After a month, a reduction in nitrite levels was detected in treatment group (11.88±7.8 μM versus 5.7 ± 1.8 μM, P<0.0001).

It was shown a higher decrease in nitrite plasma levels in the atorvastatin group finding lower levels assessments (5.7 ± 1.8 μM versus 13.1 ± 9.1 μM, resp., P<0.001).

A significant reduction in total-cholesterol/HDL-cholesterol ratio was observed in statin group after treatment (P<0.0001).

A strong correlation was found between the gradient of nitrite levels and the differential of total-cholesterol/HDL-cholesterol ratio in atorvastatin group (r=0.7; P<0.001).

Conclusions.

Improvement of nitrite levels are associated with decreased total cholesterol/HDL ratio values in PAD patients treated with atorvastatin.