- Besides their lipid lowering effects, statins exhibit numerous beneficial and adverse effects (so called pleiotropic effects). A major pleiotropic effect of statins is their anti-inflammatory properties, but the impact on a wide range of inflammation-related proteins involved in specific metabolic pathways remains inconclusive. Therefore, in this study we examined the association between statin use and numerous circulating levels of inflammation-related proteins using data from two independent population-based studies.
The association between statin intake and up to 90 inflammation-related proteins (Olink Proteomics) were investigated in 803 and 1008 participants of the KORA-Fit and KORA-Age1 studies, respectively (overall age range: 53-93 years, 52% women). Association-specific multivariable parametric as well as non-parametric regression models were performed to obtain robust estimates. Confounding factors were selected using directed acyclic graphs and the potential effect ofBesides their lipid lowering effects, statins exhibit numerous beneficial and adverse effects (so called pleiotropic effects). A major pleiotropic effect of statins is their anti-inflammatory properties, but the impact on a wide range of inflammation-related proteins involved in specific metabolic pathways remains inconclusive. Therefore, in this study we examined the association between statin use and numerous circulating levels of inflammation-related proteins using data from two independent population-based studies.
The association between statin intake and up to 90 inflammation-related proteins (Olink Proteomics) were investigated in 803 and 1008 participants of the KORA-Fit and KORA-Age1 studies, respectively (overall age range: 53-93 years, 52% women). Association-specific multivariable parametric as well as non-parametric regression models were performed to obtain robust estimates. Confounding factors were selected using directed acyclic graphs and the potential effect of unmeasured confounding was assessed.
After adjustment for multiple testing, 3 and 8 associations remain in the KORA-Fit and KORA-Age1 studies, respectively. The strongest evidence (in terms of effect size, replication, and robustness) is found for the positive associations with the inflammation-related proteins TRANS ( = 0.21; 95% CI = [0.08; 0.33]; = 0.035, = 0.13; 95% CI = [0.05; 0.21]; = 0.019) and TRAIL ( = 0.09; 95% CI = [0.03; 0.15]; = 0.045, = 0.09; 95% CI = [0.05; 0.13]; = ) and the negative association with SCF ( = _0.11; 95% CI = [−0.19; −0.03]; = 0.121, = −0.11; 95% CI = [−0.17; −0.06];= 0.003). Further associations with NT-3, MMP-10, uPA, and CD244 found in one of the studies are consistent with the point estimates of the other study.
The present study identifies associations between statin intake and inflammation-related proteins pointing to certain metabolic pathways. The results could contribute to a better understanding of the mechanisms underlying the pleiotropic effect of statins.
Statins are commonly used to lower cholesterol and reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases, such as myocardial infarction or stroke. They also can influence the immune system, but the mechanisms are not yet fully understood. In this study, we examine whether statin use is linked to changes in inflammation-related blood proteins. Using comprehensive mathematical models, we analyze data from two population-based studies involving over 1,800 participants. Our results show that statin intake is accompanied by increased levels of the proteins TRANS and TRAIL and lower levels of the protein SCF. These proteins are involved in metabolic and immune pathways. Our findings could contribute to a better understanding of how statins affect the body beyond cholesterol reduction, thereby influencing future research into biological effects.…
CC-BY 4.0: Creative Commons: Namensnennung (mit Print on Demand)