Are Statins a Risk Factor in Patients with Atherosclerosis?

Statins inhibit cholesterol synthesis, but also have other pleiotropic effects. There are indications that they affect macrophage survival trough the regulation of apoptosis. We analyzed 50 samples aortic wall, selected based on statins in patients’ therapy (n=25, Th-S group) or statin-free Th-nonS group). Each group had 5 healthy tissue, 10 mild and severe atherosclerotic changes wall. Tissue was stained with hematoxylin-eosin immunohistochemical methods (anti-Bcl-2 antibody). Presence Bcl2-positive macrophages (Bcl-2+ MP) determined semiquantitatively, data were processed Microsoft Excell IMB SPSS 23 Statistics. 60 % patients a increase Bcl-2+ MP The use leads to significantly more frequent Bcl2+ intima tissue. Analysis all pathohistological diagnosis showed statin statistically often leading markedly increased presence MP. In media, MP, adventitia 40 patients. tissue diagnosed atherosclerosis. atherosclerosis, lead parts plaque towards media. an macrophages, prolong their life, both altered This indicates potentiation inflammation damage calls into question positive effect wall