Background: Statins may help prevent cardiovascular disease (CVD) in people with human immunodeficiency virus (PWH) with chronic inflammation owing to their pleotropic lipid-lowering and anti-inflammatory properties.

Methods: The impact of 48 weeks of rosuvastatin therapy on inflammation and immune activation in a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial in PWH at moderate cardiovascular disease risk was assessed.

Results: Rosuvastatin did not alter plasma levels of interleukin 6, soluble tumor necrosis factor receptor type 2, CXCL10, soluble CD14, or soluble vascular cellular adhesion molecule 1 (P ≥ .1 for all). Proportions of CD16+ monocyte subsets were increased in PWH receiving rosuvastatin.

Conclusions: The potential benefits of statin use in PWH with normal lipid levels requires further clinical outcome research.