Effects of short-term add-on ezetimibe to statin treatment on expression of adipokines and inflammatory markers in diabetic and dyslipidemic patients

AimThe influence of short-term add-on ezetimibe to simvastatin treatment on expression of adipokines and inflammatory markers was investigated in diabetic and nondiabetic patients with hypercholesterolemia. MethodHypercholesterolemic nondiabetic (HC, n=37) and diabetic (DM, n=47) patients were treated with simvastatin (SV, 10 or 20mg/d/8-wk) and then SV plus ezetimibe (SV+EZ, 10mg each/d/4wk). Serum lipids, glycemic profile, and inflammatory markers (hsCRP, adiponectin, resistin, VCAM-1, and ICAM-1) were evaluated before and after the add-on ezetimibe therapy. mRNA expression of ADIPOR1, ADIPOR2, RETN, VCAM1, and ICAM1 was measured by real-time PCR in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC). ResultsSerum concentrations of LDL and HDL cholesterol, and adiponectin were higher in HC than DM patients (P<.05). The add-on ezetimibe therapy reduced total and LDL cholesterol, apoB and adiponectin serum levels in HC and DM groups, and resistin in HC subjects (P<.05). DM patients showed higher expression of ADIPOR1, ADIPOR2, RETN, and VCAM1 in PBMC than subjects in HC group, before and after add-on ezetimibe therapy (P<.05). PBMC RETNmRNA expression was reduced by add-on ezetimibe therapy in HC individuals (P<.05), but not in DM subjects. ConclusionShort-term add-on ezetimibe to simvastatin treatment suppressing effects on hypercholesterolemia and adiponectinemia is independent of the diabetes status. Resistin serum levels and leukocyte mRNA expression are influenced by add-on ezetimibe to statin treatment.