Does Pitavastatin Therapy for Patients with Type 2 Diabetes and Dyslipidemia Affect Serum Adiponectin Levels and Insulin Sensitivity?

Abstract

(1) Background: We aimed to demonstrate the effects of pitvastatin therapy on the serum levels of total adiponectin and high-molecular-weight (HMW) adiponectin in type 2 diabetes and the correlation with insulin sensitivity. (2) Methods: This study was designed as an open-labelled randomized trial. Patients with diabetes who were prescribed pitavastatin therapy were enrolled and randomized to either treatment with 2 mg of pitavastatin once daily (n = 44) (PITA group) or diet and exercise only, except their antidiabetic medications (n = 49), for 24 weeks. (3) Results: In lipid profiles, the reduction in total cholesterol (TC) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) was significantly increased in the PITA group (TC; 207.5 ± 20 vs. 195.5 ± 30.0 ng/dL, p < 0.001, LDL-C; 132.0 ± 15.8 vs. 123.1 ± 25.7 mg/dL, p < 0.001). Adiponectin and HMW adiponectin were elevated in the PITA group, compared to the control group without significance. The PITA group showed a lower level of HOMA-IR and HOMA-β levels. However, there was no significance (HOMA-IR; p = 0.5921 -at 12 weeks and p = 0.3645 at 24 weeks; HOMA-β; p = 0.8915 at 12 weeks and p = 0.7313 in 6 months). (4) Conclusions: The present study did not show a significant change in serum adiponectin or HMW adiponectin from baseline in serum adiponectin following pitavastatin therapy. Although statin has been considered as a risk for dysglycemia, pitavastatin did not affect insulin sensitivity.