Effects of Atorvastatin on Endothelial Progenitor Cells After Coronary Surgery

Endothelial progenitor cells, a subgroup of hematopoietic stem cells have a significant role in vascular homeostasis. In animal models of ischemia, endothelial progenitor cells are rapidly incorporated into sites of neovascularization, have the potential to induce and augment vasculogenesis/ angiogenesis, prevent cardiomyocyte apoptosis in peri-infarct regions, and reduce adverse remodeling. Treatment with atorvastatin has been shown to increase endothelial progenitor cell count in patients with coronary artery disease. Therefore, we will investigate whether atorvastatin augments the number of endothelial progenitor cells after cardiopulmonary bypass in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass surgery (CABG). Thus, we conducted a randomized double-blind, placebo-controlled, 2-way parallel trial in 60 patients undergoing coronary artery bypass surgery. Patients will receive either 2-week treatment with atorvastatin or placebo prior to surgery. Endothelial progenitor cells will be quantitated by flow cytometric phenotyping obtained from peripheral blood samples. In addition, cardiac markers (CK-MB mass, cardiac troponin-I), biochemical profile, liver function tests, high sensitive C-reactive protein (hsCRP) and coagulation profile will be determined at 4 time points: 1) preoperatively (baseline); 2) 6 hours after the end of cardiopulmonary bypass; 3) 24 hours after surgery; 4) 5th days postoperatively. Clinical, operative characteristics, cardiac markers, high sensitive C-reactive protein and endothelial progenitor cell count will be compared between the groups. Adverse outcomes will also be noted and reported.