The Statin-iron Nexus: Anti-inflammatory Intervention for Arterial Disease Prevention

Overview

Journal Am J Public Health

Specialty Public Health

Date 2013 Feb 16

PMID 23409890

Citations 13

Authors

Leo R Zacharski

Ralph G DePalma

Galina Shamayeva

Bruce K Chow

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Objectives: We postulated the existence of a statin-iron nexus by which statins improve cardiovascular disease outcomes at least partially by countering proinflammatory effects of excess iron stores.

Methods: Using data from a clinical trial of iron (ferritin) reduction in advanced peripheral arterial disease, the Iron and Atherosclerosis Study, we compared effects of ferritin levels versus high-density lipoprotein to low-density lipoprotein ratios (both were randomization variables) on clinical outcomes in participants receiving and not receiving statins.

Results: Statins increased high-density lipoprotein to low-density lipoprotein ratios and reduced ferritin levels by noninteracting mechanisms. Improved clinical outcomes were associated with lower ferritin levels but not with improved lipid status.

Conclusions: There are commonalities between the clinical benefits of statins and the maintenance of physiologic iron levels. Iron reduction may be a safe and low-cost alternative to statins.

Citing Articles

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The Effects of Statin Treatment on Serum Ferritin Levels: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

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