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ObjectivesThe primary objective was to determine the effect of statin-fibrate combination therapy on inflammatory biomarkers in patients with diabetes.BackgroundAtherosclerosis is a long-term, chronic inflammatory disease that is exacerbated in patients with diabetes.MethodsPatients (n = 300) with type II diabetes, mixed dyslipidemia (2 or more of low-density lipoprotein ≥100 mg/dl, triglycerides ≥200 mg/dl, or high-density lipoprotein 2.0 mg/l (fenofibrate = −18.9%, p = 0.002 vs. baseline; simvastatin = −24.8%, p < 0.0001; combination = −27.3%, p = 0.002). Likewise, median Lp-PLA2levels in the overall study population were significantly reduced (−16.8%, p < 0.0001), and the effect did not differ among treatments. This effect also was greatest among patients with increased baseline levels of Lp-PLA2greater than the median of 320.9 ng/ml (fenofibrate = −41.3%, p < 0.0001; simvastatin = −47.5%, p < 0.0001; combination = −46.8%, p < 0.0001).ConclusionsSimvastatin, fenofibrate, and combination therapy each lowered hsCRP and Lp-PLA2. These anti-inflammatory effects were most pronounced among patients with increased baseline levels. Combination therapy was no more effective than either form of monotherapy. (The DIACOR Study; http://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ct/show/NCT00309712?order=1)