The Effect of Atorvastatin Therapy in CAPD Patients on Infl ammatory Markers (CRP) and dialysate IL-6 and CA-125 Level

OBJECTIVE: Dialysate concentrations of CA-125 refl ect the mesothelial cell mass. In patients with peritoneal dialysis ultrafi ltration failure, low concentrations of CA-125 have been demonstrated. Statins have anti-infl ammatory properties which may be of value in modulating responses to injury. In this study, the lipid-lowering effect of atorvastatin and its effects on the CA-125 levels were evaluated.

MATERIALS and METHODS: The 100 patients included in the study were followed with CRF in the CAPD program. The patients were divided into two groups as those who used atorvastatin (group 1, n=60) and the control group (group 2, n=40). All patients were evaluated before treatment and 6 months later for serum total cholesterol, LDL, HDL, TG, CRP, and peritoneal effl uent was analyzed for interleukin-6, and CA-125 levels.

RESULTS: In group 1 patients, serum CRP and dialysate IL-6 values decreased and the dialysate CA125 level increased (p<0.001), whereas there was no change in the group 2 control patients.

CONCLUSION: Atorvastatin use in patients with markers of infl ammation caused decreased levels of CRP and IL-6, and the anti-infl ammatory effects of statins may have played a role. The increased CA-125 levels in patients in group 1 may also be related to the anti-infl ammatory effects in addition to the antihyperlipidemic effects.