The effects of atorvastatin and rosuvastatin on oxidative stress in diabetic patients

Abstract: Aim: Diabetes is associated with abnormalities in lipid profile and increased oxidative stress. Statins are preferred agents in diabetic patients due to their antioxidant and LDL-C lowering effects. This study is designed to compare the effects of atorvastatin and rosuvastatin on low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), lipid hydroperoxide (LOOH), total oxidant status (TOS) and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) in diabetic patients with hyperlipidemia. Materials and methods: Sixty two patients who have type 2 diabetes mellitus with serum LDL levels more than 100mg/dL were randomly assigned to receive atorvastatin 20mg (n =31) or rosuvastatin 10mg (n =31). Blood tests were performed at the beginning of the study and after three months. Results: There were no statistically significant differences in the pre- and after treatment levels of the LDL-C between groups. TAC values were increased in both groups and statistically significant in the former group (p =0.007). There was no diferrence between the change percentages ((after treatment TAC−pretreatment TAC)/pretreatment level) of TAC between two treatment groups. The effects of two drugs on the other oxidative parameters were not significantly different. Conclusion: Both atorvastatin and rosuvastatin may be helpful in reducing increased oxidative stress in diabetic patients with hyperlipidemia. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]