Atorvastatin effect on circulating and leukocyte-produced CD40 ligand concentrations in people with normal cholesterol levels: a pilot study.

Study Objectives: To investigate whether atorvastatin decreases serum or leukocyte-produced CD40 ligand (CD40L) levels and whether these effects are dependent on reduction in low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL) levels in people without overt dyslipidemia.

Design: Prospective pilot study.

Setting: University research center.

Modulatory effects of atorvastatin on endothelial cell-derived chemokines, cytokines, and angiogenic factors.

Study Objective: To investigate the immunomodulatory effects of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase inhibitors (statins) by determining whether atorvastatin alters the production of specific endothelium-derived immunoactive proteins and whether its treatment effects depend on its concentration and/or inhibition of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase.

Design: In vitro study using a multiplexing method for protein measurement.

Setting: University laboratory.