Can steady statin dosing calm cholesterol swings and train immune cells?
NCT ID NCT05790499
First seen Sep 17, 2026 · Last updated Sep 18, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
Researchers compare continuous atorvastatin with intermittent atorvastatin in adults to see how each dosing pattern affects LDL cholesterol levels and immune cell behavior. Participants receive atorvastatin in alternating cycles of treatment and no treatment, with a washout period, and researchers measure changes in LDL cholesterol and markers of trained immunity in blood cells. The trial asks whether keeping cholesterol steady matters for how the immune system responds.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- atorvastatin
- What this could lead to
- If cholesterol swings affect immune cell behavior, this could shape how doctors schedule statin doses to keep cholesterol steadier and possibly lower cardiovascular risk.
- What could go wrong
- This is a very small study of 11 people, so any patterns may not hold in larger groups. It measures immune cell markers, not heart attacks or deaths, so it cannot prove that dosing schedules change health outcomes.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Phase
-
Not a phased trial
Phase numbers describe drug development. The registry uses this when they do not apply, as it does for trials of devices, procedures or behaviour changes, and for observational studies.
- Participants
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11 people
The number who actually took part.
- Started
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Mar 2023
- Finished
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Apr 2025
- Lead sponsor
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Other sponsor
The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
- Ages
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18 years and older
- Sex
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Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
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Accepted
You do not need to have the condition being studied to take part.
Show the full entry requirements Hide the full entry requirements
Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: 1. Voluntarily participate, understand and sign an informed consent form; 2. Age ≥ 18 years old, male or postmenopausal female (defined as amenorrhea over 2 years with relevant clinical characteristics, such as age over 55 years old or menopausal cardiovascular symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, palpitations, etc.). Women with hysterectomy and/or bilateral oophorectomy may also be considered for inclusion in the group; 3. Commit to complying with research procedures and cooperate in the implementation of the entire process of research; 4、LDL-c\>3.4mmol/L Exclusion Criteria: 1. Previous cardiovascular history; 2. Statins should not be discontinued in high-risk groups for cardiovascular events; 3. Any known organ dysfunction; 4. Intolerance to statins; 5. Pregnant women, lactating women, or women of childbearing age who do not use effective contraception; 6. Participating in other clinical trials; 7. Unable to follow the study procedure.
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As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
Locations
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Department of Cardiology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology
Wuhan, Hubei, 430022, China
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