Funding tool: Basic research projects
Project-ID: LS10-017
Project start: 01. August 2012
Project end: will follow
Runtime: 36 months / finished
Funding amount: € 130.000,00

Brief summary:

Statins (HMG-oenzyme A reductase inhibitors) are frequently prescribed worldwide for lowering elevated cholesterol levels. They are potent agents which play an important role in secondary prophylaxis to reduce cardio- and cerebrovascular events. In addition, statins have pleiotropic effects that extent well beyond their lipid lowering profile and include anti-inflammatory, immune-modulating and anti-oxidative effects. Recent retrospective data showed, that statin treatment reduced mortality and hospital admission rate in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). COPD remains an enormous challenge of health systems in western world and is expected to be the third leading cause of death in 2020. Exacerbations play a significant role in disease progression of COPD. Animal studies showed that statins reduced the development of smoking-related emphysema. In addition, statins promote the removal of apoptotic cells (“efferocytose“) from inflamed lung tissue and suppress inflammatory reactions ex vivo und in vivo. Furthermore, lung function worsens less in COPD patients taking statins. However, up to date there are no prospective randomised blinded studies published.

Therefore, we plan a prospective, randomised controlled double-blind study with 120 patients to answer the question if a 1-year statin-treatment with 40 mg simvastatin per day can significantly reduce the frequency of COPD exacerbations compared with placebo.

Keywords:
Simvastatin und COPD-Exazerbation