Modest Anti-Inflammatory Effect of Statins in Untreated HIV Infection

Atorvastatin did not affect viral loads and only modestly reduced T-cell activation in HIV-infected patients who were not taking ART.

HIV-infected patients have an increased risk for a range of non-AIDS illnesses (e.g., heart disease and cancer), even if they are on antiretroviral therapy (ART), and this risk may be related to ongoing immune activation. Non-ART interventions that could diminish such activation and further improve long-term prognosis are therefore of great interest. Recently, investigators have been exploring whether statins might be useful in this role. These drugs have anti-inflammatory properties and have been shown in some studies to modestly reduce viral loads, although the evidence is not consistent.

Now, researchers have conducted a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover study of high-dose atorvastatin (80 mg/day for 8 weeks) among 22…

Reviewing Author

Keith Henry, MD

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardViiV Advisory Board

Editorial BoardsJAIDS: Journal of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndromes

Keith Henry, MD

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardViiV Advisory Board

Editorial BoardsJAIDS: Journal of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndromes

Modest Anti-Inflammatory Effect of Statins in Untreated HIV Infection

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Reviewing Author