The Effects of Simvastatin on Th17 Cytokines and Th17 Polarizing Cytokine in COPD Patients

The Effects of Simvastatin on Th17 Cytokines and Th17 Polarizing Cytokines in COPD Patients

Airway inflammation is partly driven by Th17 and Th17-polarizing cytokines that is steroid-resistant. Statins could suppress IL-17 cytokines in other diseases such as atherosclerosis and multiple sclerosis in mouse model. The investigators hypothesize that statins might provide anti-inflammatory benefit of suppressing IL-17 cytokines in COPD patients.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Stable COPD without an exacerbation within 3 months prior to study entry
• mild, moderate and severe COPD with or without treatments, regardless of COPD medications

Exclusion Criteria:

• Concomitant other chronic lung diseases including with TB and malignancy
• HIV
• Being on immunosuppressive drugs and systemic corticosteroids
• Dyslipidemic patients with recent cardiovascular or cerebrovascular disease within 6 month prior to study entry
• Cognitive impairment
• Currently on macrolides, azole anti-fungal agents, amiodarone and amlodipine