Trial of Atorvastatin on Serum Interleukin‐6, Total Antioxidant Capacity, C‐Reactive Protein, and Alpha‐1 Antitrypsin in Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Objective: The present study was designed to investigate the effects of atorvastatin on serum high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein (hs‐CRP), interleukin‐6 (IL‐6), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), and alpha‐1 antitrypsin (AAT) in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Methods: A clinical trial study conducted on 42 cases of COPD (Vali‐Asr Hospital, Birjand, East of Iran, years 2014–16). Patients were randomly assigned to 21 controls and 21 cases who treated with atorvastatin (40 mg/day for 6 months). Inhaled corticosteroid and long‐acting β‐agonist were administrated in both groups. The trial was registered at the Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials (registration number: IRCT2016042527594N1). TAC was measured by ferric reducing/antioxidant power assay. An enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay was used to determine IL‐6, AAT, and hs‐CRP. Spearman’s rho test and Wilcoxon, Mann–Whitney, paired, and independent t‐tests were used for data analysis in SPSS 23. P < 0.05 was considered significant. Findings: A number of patients completed the study were 16 in atorvastatin and 18 in control group. Mean increments (μmol/L) of TAC (mean ± standard deviation [SD]) were 12.81 ± 605.25 (P = 0.68) in atorvastatin and 160.26 ± 280.54 (P = 0.14) in control group. Mean decrements of IL‐6, CRP, and AAT (mean ± SD) were 1.41 ± 5.51 (P = 0.71), 0.98 ± 5.68 (P = 0.72), and 10.94 ± 46.83 (P = 0.21) in atorvastatin and 0.91 ± 11.70 (P = 0.75), 3.23 ± 7.00 (P = 0.19), and 18.77 ± 55.90 (P = 0.21) in control group. Conclusion: Atorvastatin did not succeed in maintaining TAC and CRP reduction. However, less reduction in AAT and more reduction in IL‐6 in the atorvastatin group would be likely a beneficial effect in COPD.