Inflammation and chronic heart failure. The role of statins

Immune inflammation is an important link in pathogenesis of chronic heart failure (CHF). It has been proven that hyperproduction of proinflammatory cytokines (TNFα, IL-6, IL-1, etc) with associated endothelial dysfunction and oxidative stress affect unfavorably clinico-hemodynamic parameters and prognosis of life of patients. However attempt to augment efficacy of treatment of CHF by means of inclusion of TNFa activity inhibitors in the complex of main remedies turned out unsuccessful. At present under discussion are perspectives of application in this category of patients of statins - lipid lowering drugs with pleiotropic properties most important of which is antiinflammatory action. Theoretical obstacles for the use of statins constitute available epidemiological data on reverse relationship between cholesterol level and mortality of patients with CHF in a framework of endotoxin-lipoprotein theory. At the same time preclinical and clinical experience has been accumulated evidencing for perspectiveness of such approach. Final solution of the problem of safety and feasibility of application of statins in CHF is expected after completion of prospective randomized trials GISSI-HF and CORONA.