Statins Decrease Oxidative Stress and ICD Therapies

• Type of Material: Article
• Authors: Heather Bloom, Emory University; Irfan Shukrullah, University of Illinois; Emir Veledar, Emory University; Rebecca Gutmann, University of Pittsburg; Barry London, University of Pittsburg; Samuel C. Dudley, Jr., University of Illinois
• Language: English
• Date: 2010-03-25
• Publisher: Hindawi Publishing Corporation
• Publication Version: Final Published Version
• Copyright Statement: © 2010 Heather L. Bloom et al.
• License: Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported
• Final Published Version (URL): http://www.hindawi.com/journals/crp/2010/253803/
• Title of Journal or Parent Work: Cardiology Research and Practice
• ISSN: 2090-8016
• Volume: 2010
• Issue: 2010
• Start Page: 1
• End Page: 7
• Research Categories: Health Sciences, Medicine and Surgery; Health Sciences, General

Abstract

Recent studies demonstrate that statins decrease ventricular arrhythmias in internal cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) patients. The mechanism is unknown, but evidence links increased inflammatory and oxidative states with increased arrhythmias. We hypothesized that statin use decreases oxidation. Methods. 304 subjects with ICDs were surveyed for ventricular arrhythmia. Blood was analyzed for derivatives of reactive oxygen species (DROMs) and interleukin-6 (IL-6). Results. Subjects included 252 (83%) men, 58% on statins, 20% had ventricular arrhythmias. Average age was 63 years and ejection fraction (EF) 20%. ICD implant duration was 29 ± 27 months. Use of statins correlated with lower ICD events (r = 0.12, P = .02). Subjects on statins had lower hsCRP (5.2 versus 6.3; P = .05) and DROM levels (373 versus 397; P = .03). Other factors, including IL-6 and EF did not differ between statin and nonstatin use, nor did beta-blocker or antiarrhythmic use. Multivariate cross-correlation analysis demonstrated that DROMs, statins, IL-6 and EF were strongly associated with ICD events. Multivariate regression shows DROMs to be the dominant predictor. Conclusion. ICD event rate correlates with DROMs, a measure of lipid peroxides. Use of statins is associated with reduced DROMs and fewer ICD events, suggesting that statins exert their effect through reducing oxidation.