Journal of the American College of Cardiology
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J. Am. Coll. Cardiol. · Dec 2013
Randomized Controlled Trial Multicenter StudyHigh-dose atorvastatin reduces periodontal inflammation: a novel pleiotropic effect of statins.
The purpose of this study was to test whether high-dose statin treatment would result in a reduction in periodontal inflammation as assessed by (18)F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (FDG-PET)/computed tomography (CT). ⋯ High-dose atorvastatin reduces periodontal inflammation, suggesting a newly recognized effect of statins. Given the concomitant changes observed in periodontal and arterial inflammation, these data raise the possibility that a portion of that beneficial impact of statins on atherosclerosis relate to reductions in extra-arterial inflammation, for example, periodontitis. (Evaluate the Utility of 18FDG-PET as a Tool to Quantify Atherosclerotic Plaque; NCT00703261).