Summary.  Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death in the world. In 2001, total mortality in Serbia and Monte Negro due to CVD was 56%. Diabetes mellitus (DM) type 2 is an important risk factor for CVD in both men and women. The aim of the study was to determine anti-inflammatory effects of statins therapy in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) and DM type 2 by monitoring the markers of the systemic inflammatory response. 70 patients suffering from coronary artery disease associated with DM type 2 were analyzed. In order to assess the anti-inflammatory effect of anti-lipemic therapy the leukocyte count, albumin, fibrinogen, highly sensitive C reactive protein (hsCRP), vascular cells adhesion molecule (VCAM-1) and intracellular adhesion molecule (ICAM-1) concentration were determined in a group on statins and a group without statins therapy. Biomarkers of the systemic inflammatory response, except for the concentration of VCAM-1, were significantly higher in female compared to male patients in the group under lifestyle modification. In diabetics on statins therapy, this sex-related difference disappears and only the concentration of ICAM-1 remains significantly higher in female diabetics. A long-term statins therapy significantly reduces the concentration of hsCRP (30%) and increases albumin concentration (5%) when compared to the group with lifestyle modification. There was a sex-related effect of statins therapy. A more favorable effect of statins therapy was registered in female patients who had a higher risk for development of CAD and additional coronary events. Statins therapy exerts a significant anti-inflammatory effect in diabetics and, through decreasing hsCRP, has a great impact on reducing the risk for CAD.
Key words: Atherosclerosis, statins, coronary artery disease, diabetes