International Journal of Preventive Medicine (Int J Prev Med)2008-7802002016061217041704ENKey State Laboratory of Molecular Developmental Biology, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chaoyang, Beijing & University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, BeijingCardiovascular Research Center, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, MashhadBiotechnology Research Center, School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, MashhadUniversity of Chinese Academy of Sciences, BeijingCardiovascular Research Center, Faculty of Medicine & Biochemistry of Nutrition Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, MashhadDivision of Medical Education, Brighton and Sussex Medical School, University of Brighton, BN1 9PH20160612<p><strong>Background</strong>: Hydroxymethylglutaryl‑coenzyme A reductase inhibitors (statins) are antihyperlipidemic drugs with an established efficacy in stabilizing atherosclerotic plaques and preventing atherogenesis and reducing cardiovascular events. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of simvastatin on serum Vitamin D status in dyslipidemic patients as Vitamin D status has an impact on monocyte/macrophage function and may also contribute to cardiovascular risk.</p><p><strong>Methods:</strong> Selected individuals (n = 102) were treated with simvastatin (40 mg/day), or matching placebo in a randomized, double‑blind, placebo‑controlled, crossover trial. Each treatment<br />period (with simvastatin or placebo) lasted for 30 days and was separated by a 2‑week washout phase. Serum Vitamin D concentration was assessed pre‑ and post‑treatment.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Seventy‑seven completed the trial, noncompliance with the study protocol and drug intolerance or relocation were the causes for drop‑out. No significant carry‑over effect was observed for the assessed parameters. There was a reduction in the serum levels of low‑density lipoprotein cholesterol (P &lt; 0.001), total cholesterol (P &lt; 0.001), and triglycerides (P &lt; 0.05).<br />Nevertheless, simvastatin therapy did not significantly affect serum level of high‑density lipoprotein cholesterol and Vitamin D level (P &gt; 0.05).</p><p><strong>Conclusions:</strong> Short‑term treatment with simvastatin (40 mg/day) does not have a significant affect on serum levels of Vitamin D.</p><p><strong>Keywords</strong>: Randomized controlled trial, simvastatin, Vitamin D</p>http://ijpm.mui.ac.ir/index.php/ijpm/article/view/1704http://ijpm.mui.ac.ir/index.php/ijpm/article/download/1704/1995