Vol. 2, Issue 10 (2013)

Background: Statins are the cornerstone of hyperlipidemia management, primarily through their lipid-lowering effects. However, their influence extends beyond cholesterol modulation, potentially impacting inflammatory markers such as high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) and adipocytokines like adiponectin. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of statin therapy on serum adiponectin, hs-CRP, and lipid profiles in patients with hyperlipidemia.

Materials and Methods: A prospective observational study was conducted in the Department of Pharmacology, Great Eastern Medical School and Hospital, Srikakulam, from June 2012 to May 2013. A total of 60 adult patients newly diagnosed with hyperlipidemia were enrolled. Patients received atorvastatin 10 mg daily for 12 weeks. Serum lipid parameters (TC, LDL-C, HDL-C, TG), hs-CRP, and adiponectin levels were measured at baseline and post-treatment. Paired t-tests and Pearson correlation analyses were employed.

Results: At the end of 12 weeks, there was a significant reduction in total cholesterol (231.6±22.8 to 178.4±19.1 mg/dL, p< 0.001), LDL-C (153.2±17.9 to 104.5±14.6 mg/dL, p< 0.001), and triglycerides (189.4±21.5 to 142.7±18.2 mg/dL, p< 0.001), while HDL-C increased (38.2±4.1 to 44.3±5.2 mg/dL, p< 0.001). hs-CRP levels decreased from 4.2±1.1 to 2.3±0.8 mg/L (p< 0.001). Serum adiponectin levels showed a modest but statistically significant increase (6.1±2.4 to 7.4±2.6 ?g/mL, p = 0.02).

Conclusion: Statin therapy not only improves lipid profile but also exerts anti-inflammatory effects and modulates adiponectin levels in hyperlipidemic patients. These pleiotropic actions may contribute to enhanced cardiovascular risk reduction.