Effects of atorvastatin on the Th1/Th2 polarization of ongoing experimental autoimmune myocarditis in Lewis rats

Atorvastatin ameliorates EAM by inhibiting T cell responses and suppressing Th1-type and inflammatory cytokines production and this activity is independent of cholesterol reduction, whereas Th2-type cytokines production was promoted. Atorvastatin may have beneficial effects on myocarditis by modulating the Th1/Th2 balance. These results demonstrate an important role of Th1/Th2 polarization in the pathogenesis of EAM and suggest that HMG-CoA reductase blockade may be a promising new strategy for the treatment of organ specific autoimmune diseases.