Evaluation of anti-inflammatory effect of pitavastatin with monocyte count to hdl cholesterol ratio in patients with coronary artery disease

Abstract

Objectives: Monocyte count to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio (MHR) was proposed as a novel inflammation marker. Statins have some anti-inflammatory pleiotropic effects as well as lipid-lowering effects. This study aims to examine the effect of lipid-lowering therapy with pitavastatin on MHR in patients with coronary heart disease. Methods: This was a descriptive study, single-center study. Hospital registries between October 2018 and April 2019 were retrospectively reviewed. Eligible patients were those who had both stable coronary artery disease and hypercholesterolemia of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) >100 mg/dL and started to take treatment (pitavastatin, 4 mg/day). Pre-and post-treatment complete blood count values and lipid parameters were evaluated, and MHR was calculated. Results: This study enrolled 150 patients. Pitavastatin (4 mg/day) was administered throughout median 3.0 (1.0-7.0) months. Mean total cholesterol level declined from 235.2 }52.3 mg/dl to 186.9 }48.8 mg/dl (p<0.001). Mean triglyceride level declined from 167.2 }75.0 mg/dl to 152.8 }66.7 mg/dl and mean LDL-C level declined from 153.9 }45.0 mg/dl to 109.0 }41.2 mg/dl (p=0.020 and p<0.001, respectively). Moreover, pre-treatment MHR declined from 1.4 (0.4-4.0) to post-treatment MHR 1.3 (0.5-3.4) (p=0.263). Conclusion: This study concluded that pitavastatin improved serum lipid levels but did not decrease MHR.