Effects of Atorvastatin on Disease Activity and HDL Cholesterol Function in Patients With Rheumatoid Arthritis
Status:
Completed
Trial end date:
2005-09-01
Target enrollment:
Participant gender:
Summary
This research evaluates the effects of a cholesterol-lowering medication, atorvastatin, on
both arthritis activity and the ability of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C,
sometimes referred to as "good cholesterol") to prevent changes in low-density lipoprotein
cholesterol (LDL-C, sometimes referred to as "bad cholesterol"), which lead to
atherosclerosis, or "hardening of the arteries." We hypothesize that atorvastatin may improve
both joint inflammation and the anti-inflammatory properties of HDL cholesterol.