Effects on NF-κB Activity: High Dose Simvastatin Versus Combination Therapy With Ezetimibe

Effects on NF-κB Activity: High Dose Simvastatin Versus Combination Therapy With Ezetimibe

Lowering LDL cholesterol by statins has been proven to be associated with reduction of proinflammatory regulators e.g. activation of the transcription factor NF-ĸB. Up to now the effects of newer cholesterol lowering agents such as ezetemibe with respect to their anti-inflammatory potential are less intensively studied. Therefore the investigators analyzed whether equipotent LDL-lowering therapy with simvastatin alone and in combination with ezetimibe have comparable effects on NF-ĸB-activation in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of patients with type 2 diabetes.

Inclusion Criteria:

• 35 to 80 years old
• type 2 diabetes
• HbA1c value between 6.0 % and 9.0 %
• elevated LDL-c values > 100 mg/dl with no lipid lowering treatment within the last six month

Exclusion Criteria:

• refused informed consent