Effect of lipid-lowering treatment on factor VII profile in hyperlipidemicpatients

A link has been suggested between blood lipids and hemostatic activation. F actor VII (FVII) is a coagulation factor which plays a pivotal role in fibr in generation and thrombus formation. Clinical trials have demonstrated tha t inhibitors of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase g reatly reduce cardiovascular events in patients with and without coronary a rtery disease but few data, at this time, art: available on the effects of lipid-lowering treatment on factor VII levels. We studied thirty-six IIA an d IIB type hyperlipidemic patients who, after a preliminary period of lipid -lowering diet, added atorvastatin (20 mg/daily) or continued dietary treat ment alone until they achieved LDL-C recommended levels (<4 mmol/L), Four t o six weeks of lipid lowering treatment with diet plus atorvastatin, produc ed a significant reduction in FVII coagulant activity (FVIIc) and antigen ( FVIIAg). No significant changes were observed in activated FVII (FVIIa), Th e lipid-lowering treatment with diet alone induced an improved lipid patter n, but no significant changes in FVII profile. Our study suggests a signifi cant effect of lipid-lowering treatment on FVII levels. A possibile nonlipi d mechanism that modifies FVII pathway may be suggested.