Statins decrease mean platelet volume irrespective of cholesterol lowering effect

Abstract

Background: Recent clinical observations have demonstrated that the beneficial effects of statins are not limited to LDL lowering effect. They have also favourable effects on platelet activation, endothelial function, inflammation, and coagulation cascade.

Aim: To investigate the effects of statins on mean platelet volume (MPV) which is a simple measure of platelet activation volume in patients who have been prescribed statins. Atorvastatin and rosuvastatin were also compared in respect to effects on MPV.

Methods: One hundred and forty five patients were retrospectively included in the study from the outpatient cardiology clinic. Patients who had been given statin treatment were recruited based on the records. Baseline and 4–8 weeks biochemical analysis and haematological measurements and cardiovascular risk factors were recorded.

Results: Both statins significantly decreased the MPV. MPV of patients did not show any significant correlation with lipid parameters. Linear regression analysis revealed that there were no statistically significant associations of ∆ MPV with the ∆ LDL-cholesterol (beta coefficient = 0.13; p = 0.24), ∆ DL-cholesterol (beta coefficient = 0.17; p = 0.18) or ∆ triglyceride (beta coefficient = –0.11; p = 0.21) after statin treatment. Both statins had comparable effects on lipid parameters at the end of the one month follow up period.

Conclusion: Statins significantly reduce MPV irrespective of cholesterol levels, and atorvastatin and rosuvastatin have comparable effects in this regard.