Protocol for systematic review and meta-analysis: impact of statins as immune-modulatory agents on inflammatory markers in adults with chronic diseases
3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme-A (HMG-CoA) reductase inhibitors known as statins are lipid-lowering agents that are key in preventing or reducing the complications of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. Statins have anti-inflammatory properties, therefore there is significant interest in their therapeutic potential in other chronic inflammatory conditions. The Division of Immunology researchers aims to identify the statin with the greatest ability to reduce systemic inflammation, independent of the underlying disease entity.
Reto Guler’s team will achieve their aim through conducting a comprehensive search of published and peer-reviewed randomised controlled clinical trials, with at least one intervention arm of a Food & Drug Administration-licensed or European Medicines Agency-licensed statin and a minimum treatment duration of 12 weeks. The objective of the study is to “investigate the effect of statins (atorvastatin, fluvastatin, pitavastatin, pravastatin, rosuvastatin, simvastatin) on lipid profile, particularly, cholesterol low-density lipoprotein and inflammation markers such as high-sensitive C reactive protein (hsCRP), CRP, tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), IL-6, IL-8, soluble cluster of differentiation 14 (sCD14) or sCD16 in adults, published in the last 20 years (between January 1999 and December 2019)”.
Specific databases will be searched, and the risk of bias and quality of studies assessed. If sufficient evidence is identified, a meta-analysis will be conducted with risk ratios or ORs with 95% CIs in addition to mean differences.
The study will provide valuable understanding into the efficacy of statins to reduce systemic inflammation at various stages of chronic diseases and provide information on the most potent statin to reduce systemic inflammation as well as the optimal dosing. The study will also improve the existing information on the effects of statins on inflammatory markers and may further provide a basis for future clinical trials in specific diseases.
The publication was produced by StatinTB which is part of the EDCTP2 programme supported by the European Union (grant number RIA2017T-2004-StatinTB).
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Article by Bonamy Holtak