Rosuvastatin therapy in people with HIV at intermediate cardiovascular risk does not decrease biomarkers of inflammation and immune activation.

Background Statins may help prevent cardiovascular disease (CVD) in people with HIV (PWH) with chronic inflammation due to their pleotropic lipid lowering and anti-inflammatory properties. Methods The impact of 48 weeks of rosuvastatin therapy on inflammation and immune activation in a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial in PWH at moderate CVD risk was assessed. Results Rosuvastatin not alter plasma levels of IL-6, soluble (s)TNF-RII, CXCL10, sCD14 or sVCAM-1 (p≥0.1 for all). Proportions of CD16 + monocyte subsets were increased in PWH receiving rosuvastatin. Conclusions The potential benefits of statin use in PWH with normal lipid levels requires further clinical outcome research.