Effect of Rosuvastatin Response in Healthy Subjects: Potential Mechanisms of Anti-inflammatory Effects

After providing consent healthy subjects (N=20) completed a health and drug inventory questionnaire and had blood samples drawn to measure baseline electrolytes, kidney function, liver function, and creatine kinase to determine study eligibility. Blood samples were also collected to analyze baseline inflammatory markers (tlr-4 monocyte expression and cytokine production). Patients received 20 mg daily of rosuvastatin for 3 weeks followed by blood collection, and the measurement of inflammatory markers repeated. Whole blood samples were analyzed by flow-cytometry to determine percent expression of tlr-4 on monocytes which was the primary inflammatory marker for the study. Secondary inflammatory markers tumor necrosis factor (TNF), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and interleukin-8 (IL-8) were measured after blood was incubated ex-vivo with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) for 3 hours. LPS induction experiments were performed on blood from pre and post rosuvastatin treatment. Finally, blood lipid profiles (cholesterol, low density lipoprotein (LDL), very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL), and high density lipo protein (HDL), were assessed both pre and post rosuvastatin treatment. End of study (after 3 weeks of rosuvastatin treatment) electrolytes, kidney function, liver function, and creatine kinase (CK) were measured to determine any changes as a result of rosuvastatin treatment. In addition to pre and post safety assessment a phone call was made to evaluate rosuvastatin side effects at the midpoint of the three-week treatment period.

Inclusion criteria

• Healthy male non-asian subjects

Exclusion criteria

• Patients with increased liver function tests, elevated serum creatine, patients on anti-inflammatory or immunomodulating drugs