Do Statins Improve Lung Function in Asthmatic Patients? A Randomized and Double-Blind Trial

There are evidences that statins have anti-inflammatory effects beyond theircholesterol lowering properties. the study was conducted to assess the effects ofatorvastatin on asthma as an inflammatory disease. patients with moderate to severeasthma were entered this randomized, double blind, crossover clinical trial. the impactof oral atorvastatin (10 mg/day) on the lung function of normolipidemic patients wasstudied. the study was conducted in the national research institute of tuberculosisand lung disease. patients were randomized to receive either atorvastatin orplacebo for 4 weeks separated by a 2-week washout period in a crossover fashion.patients continued on their usual asthma drug treatment throughout the study.spirometric parameters were determined at baseline and at completion of drug orplacebo administration. seventeen patients with the age of 37.12±12.41 yearscompleted the trial. data analysis revealed no significant differences in peakexpiratory flow rate (pef), forced expiratory volume in the first second (fev1),forced vital capacity (fvc) and fev1/fvc between placebo and atorvastatintherapy. the results showed no significant improvement in the pulmonary functiontests in asthmatic patients receiving atorvastatin. further studies using higher dosesof statins and/or higher period of statin use are recommended.