Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a common cause of cerebral infarction, which could lead to endothelial dysfunction, increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) and oxidized low density lipoprotein (Ox-LDL).AF is associated with higher mortality and more severe neurologic disability. Statins may exert neuroprotective effects that are independent of LDL-C lowering. The purpose of our study was to investigate whether prestroke statins use could reduce plasma Ox-LDL level and improve clinical outcomes in

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... tients with AF related acute ischemic stroke(AIS). Methods This was a multicenter consecutive trial that involved four medical centers, 242 AIS patients with AF were identified, who underwent a comprehensive clinical investigation and a 72h-Holter electrocardiogram monitoring. All patients were divided into two groups: prestroke statins use and no prestroke statins use groups, who were followed up for 3 months. Ox-LDL was measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) on admission and 3 months. The outcome was death or major disability (modified Rankin Scale score≥3) at 3 months after AIS. Results Plasma Ox-LDL level was significantly lower in prestroke statins use than in no prestroke statins use on admission (P=0.001). Plasma Ox-LDL level on admission were associated with 3-month outcome(P<0.05).In fully adjusted models, prestroke statins use was associated with reduced 3month mortality (adjusted odds ratio, 0.43; 95% confidence interval, 0.20-0.93; P=0.031), major disability (adjusted odds ratio, 0.33; 95% confidence interval, 0.13-0.82; P=0.017), and composite outcome (adjusted odds ratio, 0.25; 95% confidence interval,0.11-0.56; P=0.001). Conclusions Prestroke statins use can reduce plasma Ox-LDL level and improve clinical outcomes in patients with AF related AIS.