Effect of low-dose atorvastatin on plasma concentrations of adipokines in patients with metabolic syndrome.

Objective: It has not been conclusively proven whether or not the beneficial effect of statins on the cardiovascular system is mediated through their influence on adipokine secretion. We designed a prospective open-label study to assess the influence of 6 months' atorvastatin therapy on plasma concentrations of some adipokines in patients with metabolic syndrome.

Subjects: 36 adult patients with metabolic syndrome and serum LDL cholesterol >3.5 mmol/l, previously untreated with statins, were included in the study.

Measurements: Plasma concentrations of adiponectin, leptin, resistin and insulin were measured before initiation and after 2, 4 and 6 months of atorvastatin therapy (10 mg), and 2 months after treatment cessation.

Results: Treatment with atorvastatin was followed by a 35.6% decline in LDL cholesterol. Plasma adiponectin concentration decreased by 20.7% after 2 months; however, after 4 and 6 months, this did not differ significantly from the initial values. There was a negative correlation between the initial plasma concentration of leptin and changes in HDL cholesterol (R = -0.358; p = 0.04).

Conclusions: Firstly, the long-term effect of atorvastatin therapy in patients with metabolic syndrome is not mediated by changes in the secretion of adiponectin, leptin and resistin by adipose tissue. Secondly, plasma leptin concentration seems to be a predictor of HDL cholesterol changes during atorvastatin therapy.