Brain natriuretic peptide in patients with acute ischemic stroke: Role of statins

Background: Acute ischemic stroke (AIS) is associated with disturbances in brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) serum levels. Therefore, the objective of this study is to illustrate the potential effects of atorvastatin and rosuvastatin on BNP in patients with AIS. Methods: A total of 88 patients with AIS with or without statins therapy compared with 22 healthy controls were recruited. The patients with AIS were divided into: Group A: Patients with AIS on statins therapy (atorvastatin or rosuvastatin), (n = 44) and Group B: Patients with AIS not were on statins therapy (n = 22). Body mass index, blood pressure profile, lipid profile, and serum levels of human BNP were measured. As well, stroke risk score (SRS) was assessed in all involved patients and healthy volunteers. Results: BNP serum level was higher in patients with AIS compared with healthy controls (P = 0.0006). It was higher in patients with AIS not were on statins therapy (29.96 +/- 17.21 mu g/dL) as compared with patients with AIS on statins therapy (21.66 +/- 14.22 mu g/dL), P < 0.001. However, BNP serum level was (20.33 6.05 mu g/dL) in AIS patients on atorvastatin and (21.51 +/- 6.82 mu g/dL) AIS patients on rosuvastatin, which was not significantly differed (P = 0.54). Moreover, BNP serum levels were correlated with SRS in patients with AIS on statins therapy (r = 0.42, P= 0.03), but it was highly correlated with SRS in patients with AIS not were on statins therapy (r = 0.89, P < 0.001). Conclusion: BNP serum level is elevated in patients with AIS and correlated significantly with SRS. Statins therapy mainly atorvastatin and rosuvastatin are effective anti-inflammatory agents in the management of AIS through the reduction of BNP serum levels. However, there is no significant difference between the two statins.