Lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 activity and low-density lipoprotein subfractions after a 2-year treatment with atorvastatin in adolescents with type 1 diabetes.

BACKGROUND: The objective of the study was to assess the effect of atorvastatin on inflammation markers and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) subfractions.

METHODS: In a prospective, randomized, double-blind pilot study involving 28 adolescents with type 1 diabetes (T1D), lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 (Lp-PLA2) activity, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP), and subfractions of LDL were measured at baseline, after 1 year and 2 years of treatment with atorvastatin (10 mg/day) vs. placebo.

RESULTS: For the atorvastatin group, we found posttreatment reductions of Lp-PLA2 activity (p<0.001), LDL cholesterol (p=0.001), non-small dense LDL cholesterol (p<0.001), total cholesterol (p<0.001), and apolipoprotein B (apo B) (p<0.001), whereas small dense LDL cholesterol and hsCRP did not change significantly.

CONCLUSIONS: In adolescents with T1D, long-term treatment with atorvastatin is safe and may reduce cardiovascular risk by significant decreases of Lp-PLA2 activity and LDL cholesterol.