Effects of atorvastatin on endothelial function and the expression of proinflammatory cytokines and adhesion molecules in young subjects with successfully repaired coarctation of aorta

ObjectiveTo investigate the effects of atorvastatin on endothelial function and low-grade systemic inflammation in subjects with successful surgery for aortic coarctation repair (SCR).DesignOpen-label study.SettingOutpatients visiting the adult congenital heart disease department of our hospital.Patients34 young people with SCR.InterventionsPatients with SCR received atorvastatin 10 mg/day (n=17) or no treatment (n=17) for 4 weeks. At baseline and at 4 weeks, endothelial function was assessed by flow-mediated dilatation (FMD) of the right brachial artery, and blood samples were obtained. Serum levels of interleukin (IL) 1b, IL-6 and soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (sVCAM-1) were determined by ELISA.Main outcome measuresEffects of treatment on FMD and serum levels of IL-1b, IL-6 and sVCAM-1.ResultsFMD in the atorvastatin group was significantly improved after 4 weeks (from 6.46±0.95% to 11.24±1.38%, p