Effect of atorvastatin on circulating proinflammatory T-lymphocyte subsets and soluble CD40 ligand in patients with stable coronary artery disease-A randomized, placebo-controlled study

Circulating IL-2+ T lymphocytes are increased in patients with stable CAD reflecting an activation of the global immune system, but are not influenced by atorvastatin therapy. The elevated levels of platelet-derived T-lymphocyte-stimulating sCD40L are decreased by atorvastatin probably reflecting an atheroprotective effect. Hence, sCD40L may be an additional biomarker to be considered when evaluating the treatment effects of statins in patients with stable CAD.