Effect of atorvastatin on LDL oxidation and antioxidants in normocholesterolemic type 2 diabetic patients

BACKGROUND: Oxidative stress in diabetes increases lipid peroxidation, which stimulates the development of atherosclerosis. METHODS: We investigated in a 3-month placebo-controlled study with 19 normocholesterolemic type 2 diabetic patients whether treatment with 10-mg atorvastatin influenced antioxidants and reduced LDL oxidizability, assessed by in vitro production of conjugated dienes after copper-induced LDL oxidation. RESULTS: The lag phase, as a measure of the resistance of LDL to oxidation, did not change (62.8+/-8.2 respectively 59.6+/-9.7 min, p=n.s.), while conjugated dienes decreased (512+/-74 respectively 487+/-50 nmol, p=0.012). Plasma alpha-tocopherol and ubiquinol levels decreased, while their ratios to LDL cholesterol remained stable. CONCLUSIONS: Atorvastatin favourably influences some parameters of LDL oxidation. Whether this effect is clinically relevant remains to be determined.