Evaluation of protein C and protein S levels in patients with diabetes mellitus receiving therapy with statins and ACE inhibitors or angiotensin II receptor blockers.

AIMS: To evaluate protein C, protein S level in patients with diabetes mellitus receiving statin and ACE inhibitor/ARB therapy.

METHODS: 95 patients were included in the study and divided into four groups depending on the use of statin and ACE inhibitor/ARB therapy. Group 1 comprised of patients receiving statin therapy (n = 15), Group 2 comprised of patients receiving ACE inhibitor/ARB therapy (n = 31), Group 3 comprised of patients receiving statin and ACE inhibitor/ARB therapy (n = 23), and Group 4 comprised of patients who did not receive either statin or ACE inhibitor/ARB therapy (n = 26). These four groups were compared with respect to protein C, protein S, fibrinogen, D-dimer, INR, and aPTT levels.

RESULTS: There were statistically significant differences with respect to protein C levels. Group 1 and group 2 had higher protein C levels compared with group 4. (p < .01). Similarly, Group 3 had higher protein C levels compared with group 4. (p < .01). There was no significant difference between the groups with respect to protein S, INR, aPTT, and D-dimer levels.

CONCLUSIONS: Diabetic patients receiving statin or ACE inhibitor/ARB therapy had higher protein C levels. Use of statin and ACE inhibitor/ARB therapy in diabetic patients decrease hypercoagulability and therefore could reduce the occurrence of cardiovascular events.