Abstract
Introduction: Statin family drugs are lipid-lowering agents with anti-inflammatory effects.
Objectives: The aim of our study was to evaluate anti-inflammatory effects of different statins in rheumatoid
arthritis patients.
Patients and Methods: Around 161 eligible subjects with rheumatoid arthritis were enrolled. They randomly
were divided into three groups. The first group received 40 mg/daily atorvastatin, the second group received
40 mg/daily simvastatin, and the third group received placebo as control for six months. To calculate the
disease activity, DAS-28 (Disease Activity Score 28) was used while VAS (visual analog scale) was used to
assess the severity of pain in rheumatoid arthritis patients. DAS-28, erythrocyte sedimentation rates (ESR)
and lipid profiles were assessed once for the baseline and then after three and six months of intervention.
Data was analyzed by SPSS by a P value <0.05 which was set to be significant.
Results: DAS-28 score in months 0, 3 and 6 in atorvastatin, simvastatin and placebo groups was (5.36 ±
1.02, 3.23±1.24 and 2.81±1.13), (5.29±0.87, 2.75±1.16 and 2.57±1.00) and (5.52±0.96, 3.90±1.10
and 3.87±1.52), respectively. Mean of DAS-28 score differences between placebo and atorvastatin groups
was 0.6±0.16 (P<0.01); the score differences between simvastatin and placebo was 0.900±0.16 that
was significant (P<0.01), however, the score differences was not significant between atorvastatin and
simvastatin groups (P=0.261).
Conclusion: Statins decrease inflammation in rheumatoid arthritis patients