MedWorm: Statin Therapy

High-Dose Simvastatin Linked to Increased Myopathy

MedPage Today Cardiovascular — Sat, 20 Mar 2010 13:43:01 +0100

WASHINGTON (MedPage Today) -- Increasing simvastatin (Zocor) to 80 mg a day increases the risk of myopathy, including rhabdomyolysis, according to an FDA safety warning. (Source: MedPage Today Cardiovascular)

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Highest simvastatin dose linked to increased risk of muscle injury, FDA warns

theHeart.org — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 19:45:39 +0100

Simvastatin 80 mg is associated with increased risk of myopathy compared with lower doses and other statins, according to an FDA review of clinical-trial and other data. For complete story visit theheart.org. (Source: theHeart.org)

FDA issues warning for high doses of Zocor

Reuters: Health — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 19:31:58 +0100

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Patients on the highest approved dose of the cholesterol-lowering drug Zocor may be at increased risk of muscle injury, U.S. regulators warned on Friday. (Source: Reuters: Health)

FDA Warns About Increased Risk of Muscle Injury with Zocor

Drugs.com - Pharma News — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 19:16:13 +0100

Highest approved dose of cholesterol-lowering medication could cause harm to muscles SILVER SPRING, Md., March 19 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The U.S. Food and Drug Administration today warned patients and healthcare providers about the potential for... (Source: Drugs.com - Pharma News)

High-Dose Simvastatin Associated With Increased Risk for Myopathy, FDA Warns

Medscape Today Headlines — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 19:12:41 +0100

A simvastatin dose of 80 mg is associated with an increased risk for myopathy compared with lower doses and other statins, according to an FDA review of clinical trial and other data. Medscape Medical News (Source: Medscape Today Headlines)

Should Statins Be Used in Patients With Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis?

Medscape Today Headlines — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 18:51:14 +0100

Our expert discusses the potential benefits -- and the unknowns -- of statin therapy in patients with NASH. Medscape Gastroenterology (Source: Medscape Today Headlines)

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FDA Warns about Increased Risk of Muscle Injury with Zocor

MedlinePlus Health News — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 17:10:00 +0100

Source: Food and Drug Administration Related MedlinePlus Pages: Cholesterol, Muscle Disorders (Source: MedlinePlus Health News)

Alterations in molecular chaperones and eIF2{alpha} during lung endothelial cell apoptosis

AJP: Lung Cellular and Molecular Physiology — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 17:05:33 +0100

We have previously demonstrated that inhibition of CAAX carboxyl methylation with AGGC caused redistribution and condensation of the ER molecular chaperones, glucose-regulated protein (GRP)-94 and calnexin; an effect that was attenuated by overexpression of dominant active RhoA. We have also shown that AGGC decreased GRP94 protein level; an effect that was dependent on caspase activity. In the present study, we tested the effects of inhibition of posttranslational processing of CAAX proteins on localization and protein levels of molecular chaperones and phosphorylation and protein level of eIF2. We found that both AGGC, which inhibits CAAX carboxyl methylation, and simvastatin, which inhibits CAAX geranylgeranylation, caused relocalization of GRP94, calnexin, and calreticulin, effects that...

Zocor (simvastatin): increased risk of muscle injury with high doses

FDA MedWatch — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 16:55:00 +0100

Ongoing review shows risk also increased when drug, especially at higher doses, is used with certain drugs. (Source: FDA MedWatch)

FDA Warns Of Greater Muscle Risk From Zocor

WDSU.com - Health — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 16:22:04 +0100

The Food and Drug Administration says the highest available dose of the cholesterol drug Zocor can cause muscle damage as well as severe and potentially lethal kidney damage. (Source: WDSU.com - Health)

FDA Warns about Increased Risk of Muscle Injury with Zocor

Food and Drug Administration — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 15:01:00 +0100

- Highest approved dose of cholesterol-lowering medication could cause harm to muscles (Source: Food and Drug Administration)

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Statins in Acute Coronary Syndromes and Genetic Insight

Journal of the American College of Cardiology — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 14:00:34 +0100

This report is similar to the original PROVE IT–TIMI 22 (Pravastatin or Atorvastatin Evaluation and Infection Therapy–Thrombolysis In Myocardial Infarction 22) results and raises 3 additional questions of clinical importance. First, was the MACE benefit primarily in favor of carriers of the KIF6 polymorphism? Second, was the time to benefit shorter in carriers of the KIF6 polymorphism? And third, why were differences in LDL-C and hs-CRP levels not associated with clinical outcome? (Source: Journal of the American College of Cardiology)

Effect of an Antimicrobial Agent on Atherosclerotic Plaques: Assessment of Metalloproteinase Activity by Molecular Imaging

Journal of the American College of Cardiology — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 14:00:31 +0100

Conclusions: Molecular imaging of MMP activity in atherosclerotic plaque allows for the study of the efficacy of therapeutic interventions. MC administration resulted in substantial reduction in plaque MMP activity and histologically verified plaque stabilization. MC was found to be equally effective as FS. (Source: Journal of the American College of Cardiology)

Atorvastatin Causes Insulin Resistance and Increases Ambient Glycemia in Hypercholesterolemic Patients

Journal of the American College of Cardiology — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 14:00:27 +0100

Conclusions: Despite beneficial reductions in LDL cholesterol and apolipoprotein B, atorvastatin treatment resulted in significant increases in fasting insulin and glycated hemoglobin levels consistent with insulin resistance and increased ambient glycemia in hypercholesterolemic patients. (Effects of Atorvastatin on Adiponectin Levels and Insulin Sensitivity In Hypercholesterolemic Patients; NCT00745836) (Source: Journal of the American College of Cardiology)

ACC: Intensive Statin Tx Cuts CVEs in Kidney Disease Patients (CME/CE)

MedPage Today Cardiovascular — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 13:43:01 +0100

ATLANTA (MedPage Today) -- Intensive statin therapy was associated with a marked decrease in cardiovascular events and a modest improvement in renal function among heart patients with metabolic syndrome complicated by chronic kidney disease, industry researchers reported here. (Source: MedPage Today Cardiovascular)

RA: Lowering Cardiovascular Risk With Statins

Medscape Cardiology Headlines — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 12:40:27 +0100

In patients with rheumatoid arthritis, managing cardiovascular risk is as important as RA-specific therapy. Nature Reviews Rheumatology (Source: Medscape Cardiology Headlines)

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Effect of statin treatment on vasospasm delayed cerebral ischemia and functional outcome in patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage a syst

Neurological Conditions Specialist Library — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 12:31:09 +0100

Bottom line conclusion - The results of the present systematic review do not lend statistically significant support to the finding of a beneficial effect of statins in patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage as reported in a previous meta-analysis. (Source: Neurological Conditions Specialist Library)

Simvastatin

BHF National News — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 12:00:00 +0100

Risk of serious muscle damage rare but cholesterol benefits of statins clear (Source: BHF National News)

PRAVASTATIN SODIUMtablet [Physicians Total Care, Inc.]

DailyMed Drug Label Updates for the last seven days (since May 20, 2007 EST) — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 05:00:00 +0100

Updated Date: Mar 19, 2010 EST (Source: DailyMed Drug Label Updates for the last seven days (since May 20, 2007 EST))

[Comment] Antisense technology to lower LDL cholesterol

LANCET — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

In The Lancet today, Frederick Raal and colleagues describe a randomised trial of mipomersen—an antisense inhibitor of apolipoprotein B synthesis—as an adjunctive treatment in patients with the rare homozygous form of familial hypercholesterolaemia. In such patients, the response to statins is modest, at best, because of low residual LDL-receptor activity. (Source: LANCET)

Statins may reduce risk for renal dysfunction in Type 2 diabetes

MedWire News - Diabetes — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Use of statins reduces the risk for renal dysfunction in individuals with Type 2 diabetes, report researchers. (Source: MedWire News - Diabetes)

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FDA Says High-Dose Simvastatin Ups Myopathy Risk

Modern Medicine — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

On March 19, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration notified patients and health care professionals about the potential increased risk of myopathy related to simvastatin (Zocor) 80 mg. (Source: Modern Medicine)

The effect of statin therapy on testosterone levels in subjects consulting for erectile ...

UroToday — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 23:00:00 +0100

Andrology Unit, Department of Clinical Physiopathology, University of Florence, Florence Italy. (Source: UroToday)

ACC: Chronic Kidney Disease Patients Fare Well in Statin Trial (CME/CE)

MedPage Today Cardiovascular — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 19:01:15 +0100

ATLANTA (MedPage Today) -- Chronic kidney disease patients in the landmark JUPITER trial achieved a 44% reduction in mortality if they were assigned to the potent cholesterol-lowering agent rosuvastatin (Crestor) when compared with patients who were on placebo, researchers said here. (Source: MedPage Today Cardiovascular)

ACC: Statin Rx Cost-Effective Based on C-Reactive Proteins (CME/CE)

MedPage Today Cardiovascular — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 17:44:00 +0100

ATLANTA (MedPage Today) -- Treating people with normal cholesterol but elevated levels of C-reactive protein with statins would be cost-effective, researchers said here, but they suggested that the practice could strain healthcare resources. (Source: MedPage Today Cardiovascular)

Genetic variations influence statin efficacy for lowering colon cancer risk

Cancer Network — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 12:00:00 +0100

Four years ago, at least five years of statin use was found to be associated with a 53% reduction in the risk of colorectal cancer and that association still stands, according to a coauthor of one of the initial studies to make the statin-cancer connection. (Source: Cancer Network)

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Clopidogrel Provides Significantly Greater Inhibition of Platelet Activity Than Aspirin When Combined With Atorvastatin After Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting: A Prospective Randomized Study

Clinical and Applied Thrombosis/Hemostasis — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 11:48:35 +0100

Conclusions: Our results demonstrate that the combination of C + A is more effective than that of ASA + A in inhibiting ADP-mediated platelet aggregation and expression of major platelet receptors after CABG. (Source: Clinical and Applied Thrombosis/Hemostasis)

Dorsal (Posterior) Versus Medial Approach for the Surgical Repair of Popliteal Artery Aneurysms

Angiology — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 11:46:13 +0100

The surgical approach-of-choice for the management of popliteal artery aneurysms (PAAs) remains controversial. We compared the results of the medial (MA) and dorsal (posterior) surgical approach (DA). Fifty patients (44 males/6 females; median age [range]: 59 [49-84] years) treated for 58 atherosclerotic PAAs were studied (MA: 29 PAAs; DA: 29 PAAs). The 3-year graft patency rates were higher after DA compared with MA (76% vs 52%, respectively), but the difference was not significant (P = .056). There were no differences between the 2 approaches in amputation, restenosis, reoperation, and wound infection rates. Dorsal approach and the MA may be alternative approaches with similar long-term results. Due to the controversial results reported so far, a meta-analysis may be necessary to establi...

If you take simvastatin to control cholesterol, watch out for infection, says new report

ScienceDaily Headlines — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 09:00:00 +0100

Simvastatin might help us control our cholesterol, but when it comes to infection, it's an entirely different story says a new research study. Scientists have shown that simvastatin delivers a one-two punch to the immune system. First it impairs the ability of specialized immune cells, called macrophages, to kill pathogens. Then, it enhances production of molecules, called cytokines, which trigger and sustain inflammation. (Source: ScienceDaily Headlines)

PRAVASTATIN SODIUMtablet [Cobalt Laboratories Inc.]

DailyMed Drug Label Updates for the last seven days (since May 20, 2007 EST) — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 05:00:00 +0100

Updated Date: Mar 18, 2010 EST (Source: DailyMed Drug Label Updates for the last seven days (since May 20, 2007 EST))

Lovastatin induces apoptosis of ovarian cancer cells and synergizes with doxorubicin: potential therapeutic relevance

BMC Cancer — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: The results of this research provide pre-clinical data to warrant further evaluation of statins as potential anti-cancer agents to treat ovarian carcinoma. Many statins are inexpensive, off-patent generic drugs that are immediately available for use as anti-cancer agents. We provide evidence that lovastatin triggers apoptosis of ovarian cancer cells as a single agent by a mevalonate-dependent mechanism. Moreover, we also show lovastatin synergizes with doxorubicin, an agent administered for recurrent disease. This synergy occurs by a novel mevalonate-independent mechanism that antagonizes drug resistance, likely by inhibiting P-glycoprotein. These data raise important issues that may impact how statins can best be included in chemotherapy regimens. (Source: BMC Cancer)

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Common sequence variants in pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic pathway-related genes conferring LDL cholesterol response to statins

Future Medicine: Pharmacogenomics — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 15:08:09 +0100

Pharmacogenomics , March 2010, Vol. 11, No. 3, Pages 309-317. (Source: Future Medicine: Pharmacogenomics)

ACC: Vitamin D Not Linked to Myalgia in TNT Study (CME/CE)

MedPage Today Cardiovascular — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 15:00:39 +0100

ATLANTA (MedPage Today) -- Researchers here said they could not find a link between levels of vitamin D and the incidence of myalgias among patients treated with atorvastatin (Lipitor). (Source: MedPage Today Cardiovascular)

Statin use in rheumatoid arthritis in relation to actual cardiovascular risk: evidence for substantial undertreatment of lipid-associated cardiovascular risk?

Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 14:45:58 +0100

Conclusions Depending on the risk stratification method, 2% to 26% of patients with RA without CVD have sufficiently high risk to require statin therapy, yet most of them remain untreated. To address this issue, we would recommend annual systematic screening using the nationally applicable risk calculator, combined with regular audit of whether treatment targets have been achieved. (Source: Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases)

ACCORD Lipid Study Brings New Hope To People With Type 2 Diabetes And Atherogenic Dyslipidemia Says International Academic Foundation

Cardiovascular / Cardiology News From Medical News Today — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 10:00:00 +0100

Cardiovascular risk can be reduced by an additional 31 percent in type 2 diabetes patients with atherogenic dyslipidemia, the common combination of elevated triglycerides (TG, 204 mg/dL or 2.3 mmol/L or higher) and low levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C, 34 mg/dL or 0.88 mmol/L or lower). This is achieved by adding fenofibrate to simvastatin... (Source: Cardiovascular / Cardiology News From Medical News Today)

ACCORD Lipid Study Brings New Hope To People With Type 2 Diabetes And Atherogenic Dyslipidemia Says International Academic Foundation

Health News from Medical News Today — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 10:00:00 +0100

Cardiovascular risk can be reduced by an additional 31 percent in type 2 diabetes patients with atherogenic dyslipidemia, the common combination of elevated triglycerides (TG, 204 mg/dL or 2.3 mmol/L or higher) and low levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C, 34 mg/dL or 0.88 mmol/L or lower). This is achieved by adding fenofibrate to simvastatin. Only 20 of these patients need to be treated for 5 years to prevent one cardiovascular event... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

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Intensive Lipitor Therapy Was Associated With Reduced Risk Of Cardiovascular Events In Two High-Risk Patient Groups

Health News from Medical News Today — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 02:00:00 +0100

Lipitor® (atorvastatin calcium) 80 mg was associated with a significantly reduced risk of major cardiovascular events compared with Lipitor 10 mg among patients with both coronary heart disease (CHD) and chronic kidney disease (CKD) who were obese or had metabolic syndrome. These data, from two sub-analyses of the Treating to New Targets (TNT) trial that were designed and completed following the completion of TNT, were presented today at the 59th Annual Scientific Session of the American College of Cardiology (ACC) in Atlanta, Ga... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Intensive Lipitor Therapy Was Associated With Reduced Risk Of Cardiovascular Events In Two High-Risk Patient Groups

Cardiovascular / Cardiology News From Medical News Today — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 02:00:00 +0100

Cholesterol treatment with statins: Who is left out and who makes it to goal?

BMC Health Services Research — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: Among person's not taking statins, the socio-economically disadvantaged are more likely to be eligible and among those on statins, the socio-economically disadvantaged are less likely to achieve statin treatment goals. Further study is needed to identify specific amenable patient and/or physician factors that contribute to these disparities. (Source: BMC Health Services Research)

Rosuvastatin stimulates clonogenic potential and anti-inflammatory properties of endothelial progenitor cells.

Cell Biology International — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

In conclusion, we show that rosuvastatin had significant stimulatory effects on EPCs irrespectively of the culture protocol. Rosuvastatin also induced anti-inflammatory polarization of monocytic EPCs. PMID: 20233166 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Cell Biology International)

Coronary Plaque Regression and Lifestyle Modification in Patients Treated With Pravastatin.

Circulation Journal — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: An appropriate combination of statin therapy and lifestyle modification, in particular, physical activity, may result in coronary plaque regression. This combined treatment strategy, inducing an increase of the serum HDL-C, may contribute to coronary plaque regression. PMID: 20234098 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Circulation Journal)

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Pill "cuts risk of heart attacks"

Pharmacy Europe — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 14:42:57 +0100

Cholesterol drug Lipitor has been found to reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke if taken in high doses. (Source: Pharmacy Europe)

Pfizer: More Lipitor Cuts Heart Complications More

OrlandoSentinel: Medical Research — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

A reanalysis of research data found a high dose of popular cholesterol pill Lipitor lowers risk of heart attack and stroke in some patients with both heart disease and kidney disease, the drug's maker said Monday. Pfizer Inc. said the new analysis, which... (Source: OrlandoSentinel: Medical Research)

MTRAC review: Tredaptive® (nicotininc acid and laropiprant)

NeLM - Drug Specific Reviews — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Source: MTRAC Area: Evidence > Drug Specific Reviews In this review, the Midlands Therapeutics Review and Advisory Committee (MTRAC) has concluded that Tredaptive® (nicotininc acid and laropiprant) is suitable for prescribing in primary care, with the need for monitoring of LFTS before and during treatment as recommended in the SPC. The Committee noted that the Tredaptive® has a low place in therapy, second line after statins, in line with the licensed indications and NICE guidance. (Source: NeLM - Drug Specific Reviews)

Clinical Significance of Mild Lipid-Lowering by Statins for Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease in Japanese High-Risk Patients.

Circulation Journal — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Miyazaki T, Daida H PMID: 20234101 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Circulation Journal)

Atorvastatin Reduces Plaque Vulnerability in an Atherosclerotic Rabbit Model by Altering the 5-Lipoxygenase Pathway

Karger Publishers — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 23:00:00 +0100

Cardiology 2010;115:221228 (DOI:10.1159/000296017) (Source: Karger Publishers)

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Efficacy of High-Dose Atorvastatin Loading Before Primary Percutaneous Coronary Intervention in ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction: The STATIN STEMI Trial

Journal of the American College of Cardiology: Cardiovascular Interventions — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 20:59:21 +0100

Conclusions High-dose atorvastatin pre-treatment before PCI did not show a significant reduction of MACEs compared with low-dose atorvastatin but did show improved immediate coronary flow after primary PCI. High-dose atorvastatin may produce an optimal result for STEMI patients undergoing PCI by improving microvascular myocardial perfusion. (Efficacy of High-Dose AtorvaSTATIN Loading Before Primary Percutaneous Coronary Intervention in ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction [STATIN STEMI]; NCT00808717). (Source: Journal of the American College of Cardiology: Cardiovascular Interventions)

High-Dose Atorvastatin in Acute Coronary and Cerebrovascular Syndromes

Journal of the American College of Cardiology: Cardiovascular Interventions — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 20:59:21 +0100

(Source: Journal of the American College of Cardiology: Cardiovascular Interventions)

Intensive Lipitor Therapy Was Associated With Reduced Risk of Cardiovascular Events In Two High-Risk Patient Groups

Drugs.com - Clinical Trials — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 20:49:19 +0100

ATLANTA--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Mar 15, 2010 - Lipitor® (atorvastatin calcium) 80 mg was associated with a significantly reduced risk of major cardiovascular events compared with Lipitor 10 mg among patients with both coronary heart disease (CHD)... (Source: Drugs.com - Clinical Trials)

Adding fat-lowering drug no help for diabetic hearts

Reuters: Health — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 20:06:47 +0100

ATLANTA (Reuters) - Adding a drug that lowers blood fats known as triglycerides to cholesterol-fighting statins provided no additional protection from heart attack, stroke and death from heart disease in patients with Type 2 diabetes, according to data from a large study. (Source: Reuters: Health)

Adding Fat-Lowering Drug No Help for Diabetic Hearts

MedlinePlus Health News — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 19:06:47 +0100

Adding a drug that lowers blood fats known as triglycerides to cholesterol-fighting statins provided no additional protection from heart attack, stroke and death from heart disease in patients with Type 2 diabetes, according to data from a large study.Source: Reuters Health Related MedlinePlus Pages: Diabetes, Heart Diseases, Statins (Source: MedlinePlus Health News)

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ACC: Triglycerides Decreased with Rosuvastatin Therapy (CME/CE)

MedPage Today Cardiovascular — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 19:00:25 +0100

ATLANTA (MedPage Today) -- In a study that specifically scrutinized the effects of statin therapy on triglycerides, researchers said that rosuvastatin (Crestor) significantly reduced the blood lipid that has been linked to coronary artery disease better than placebo. (Source: MedPage Today Cardiovascular)

ACCORD lipid: Fibrates do not improve CV outcomes in diabetic patients taking statins

MedWire News - Lipidology — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 16:58:39 +0100

Combination therapy with fenofibrate and simvastatin does not provide additional protection against cardiovascular disease in high-risk patients with Type 2 diabetes compared with simvastatin alone, according to findings from the ACCORD lipid trial. (Source: MedWire News - Lipidology)

Pfizer: Study finds high Lipitor dose cuts chances of heart complications over low dose

OrlandoSentinel: Medical Research — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 14:49:00 +0100

TRENTON, N.J. (AP) — A reanalysis of research data found a high dose of popular cholesterol pill Lipitor lowers risk of heart attack and stroke in some patients with both heart disease and kidney disease, the drug's maker said Monday. Pfizer Inc.... (Source: OrlandoSentinel: Medical Research)

ACCORD lipid: Fibrates do not improve CV outcomes in diabetic patients taking statins

MedWire News - Diabetes — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 14:24:11 +0100

Landmark ACCORD Trial Finds Intensive Blood Pressure and Combination Lipid Therapies do not Reduce Combined Cardiovascular Events in Adults with Diabetes

National Institutes of Health (NIH) News Releases — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 14:01:00 +0100

Lowering blood pressure to normal levels -- below currently recommended levels -- did not significantly reduce the combined risk of fatal or nonfatal cardiovascular disease events in adults with type 2 diabetes who were at especially high risk for cardiovascular disease events, according to new results from the landmark Action to Control Cardiovascular Risk in Diabetes (ACCORD) clinical trial. Similarly, treating multiple blood lipids with combination drug therapy of a fibrate and a statin did not reduce the combined risk of cardiovascular disease events more than treatment with statin alone. The study of more than 10,000 participants is sponsored by the National Institutes of Health. (Source: National Institutes of Health (NIH) News Releases)

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Blood Pressure Drugs No Help for Diabetes

Health News: CBSNews.com — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 14:00:09 +0100

Studies: Statins, Fibrates to Lower Fats, Cholesterol and Blood Pressure Do Not Reduce Heart Attack Risk in Diabetics (Source: Health News: CBSNews.com)

Blood Pressure Drugs No Help for Diabetes

Health News: CBSNews.com — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 14:00:09 +0100

Studies: Statins, Fibrates to Lower Fats, Cholesterol and Blood Pressure Do Not Reduce Heart Attack Risk in Diabetics (Source: Health News: CBSNews.com)

Blood Pressure Drugs No Help for Diabetes

Health News: CBSNews.com — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 14:00:09 +0100

Studies: Statins, Fibrates to Lower Fats, Cholesterol and Blood Pressure Do Not Reduce Heart Attack Risk in Diabetics (Source: Health News: CBSNews.com)

ACCORD lipid: Fibrates do not improve CV outcomes in diabetic patients taking statins

MedWire News - Cardiology — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 13:58:06 +0100

Statins Added to Standard Psoriasis Therapy May Improve Disease Severity

Medscape Today Headlines — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 11:56:52 +0100

Statin users with psoriasis showed a 64% reduction in psoriasis severity, whereas nonusers showed a 45% reduction in severity after the initiation of a new psoriasis medication. Medscape Medical News (Source: Medscape Today Headlines)

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Intensive BP, Combined Lipid Therapies Do Not Help Adults With Diabetes

Health News from Medical News Today — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 09:00:00 +0100

Lowering blood pressure to normal levels - below currently recommended levels - did not significantly reduce the combined risk of fatal or nonfatal cardiovascular disease events in adults with type 2 diabetes who were at especially high risk for cardiovascular disease events, according to new results from the landmark Action to Control Cardiovascular Risk in Diabetes (ACCORD) clinical trial. Similarly, treating multiple blood lipids with combination drug therapy of a fibrate and a statin did not reduce the combined risk of cardiovascular disease events more than treatment with statin alone... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Does Cholesterol Really Matter?

NaturalNews.com — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 07:00:00 +0100

(NaturalNews) I'd like to shine the spotlight on one of medicine's sacred cows- the belief that lowering cholesterol with drugs protects against heart attacks and premature death. Our obsession with cholesterol began in the 1950s when studies linked high consumption of animal fat with high rates of heart disease. This opened the door for clinical trials that laid the foundation of a new paradigm: the cholesterol theory of cardiovascular disease.This theory has had profound ramifications. It changed the way we eat (fats bad, carbohydrates good) and contributed to our problems with obesity and diabetes. It wormed its way into "clinical practice guidelines"- cholesterol management has become a "standard of care" that doctors are expected to follow. It spawned the invasive heart surgery indust...

ACC: Rosuvastatin and Ezetimibe Combo Tops LDL Trial (CME/CE)

MedPage Today Cardiovascular — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 01:08:16 +0100

ATLANTA (MedPage Today) -- More than 95% of patients taking a high dose rosuvastatin (Crestor) plus ezetimibe (Zetia) combination reached low-density lipoprotein (LDL) goals of less than 100 mg/dl -- a significant improvement over a high-dose combination of simvastatin/ezetimibe (Vytorin), researchers said here. (Source: MedPage Today Cardiovascular)

Good diet and exercise not medication key in IGT

OnMedica Latest News — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Losing weight most effective in staving off diabetes in high risk groupsRelated items from OnMedicaPrimary care criticised over retinopathy failingsType 2 diabetes - shock toll on South Asian children Middle aged men at highest risk of diabetesGovernment slammed for painting "rosy picture" of diabetes careBenefits of statins far outweigh diabetes risk (Source: OnMedica Latest News)

Combination lipid lowering not routinely justified in patients with type2 diabetes

NeLM - News — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Source: NEJM Area: News In high-risk patients with type-2 diabetes, adding a fibrate to simvastatin did not decrease major cardiovascular events compared to simvastatin alone in a major randomised controlled trial. While it is accepted that people with type 2 diabetes are at increased cardiovascular risk compared to those without, and that management of all aspects of cardiovascular risk is important in such people, there is still debate over how best to do this. The ACCORD (Action to Control Cardiovascular Risk in Diabetes) trial investigated two areas of cardiovascular risk management - intensive BP control and combination lipid lowering, as well as intensive vs. standard glycaemic control. All participants in the trial were randomised to one of the two glycaemia management a...

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Small study shows mipomersen shows promise for lowering LDL-cholesterol in patients with homozygous familial hypercholesterolaemia

NeLM - News — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Source: Lancet Area: News According to research published early online in the Lancet, inhibition of apolipoprotein B synthesis by mipomersen represents an effective therapy to reduce LDL-cholesterol concentrations in patients with homozygous familial hypercholesterolaemia who are already receiving lipid-lowering drugs, including high-dose statins. Researchers evaluated whether mipomersen, is effective and safe as an adjunctive agent to lower LDL-cholesterol concentrations in patients with this disease. The double-blind study involved a total of 51 patients randomised to either mipomersen 200mg subcutaneously every week, (n=34) or placebo (n=17) for 26 weeks. Patients included in the study were aged 12 years and older with a clinical diagnosis or genetic confirmation of ho...

ACC: Two Type 2 Diabetes Approaches Don't Help Heart

Modern Medicine — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

In type 2 diabetes patients at high risk for cardiovascular events, combination lipid therapy with fenofibrate and simvastatin does not reduce the rate of cardiovascular events compared with simvastatin alone, and intensive blood pressure control, compared to standard blood pressure control, also does not reduce the rate of adverse cardiovascular events, according to the results of two analyses of the Action to Control Cardiovascular Risk in Diabetes study published online March 14 in the New England Journal of Medicine to coincide with the Annual Scientific Session of the American College of Cardiology, held from March 14 to 16 in Atlanta. (Source: Modern Medicine)

Eprotirome helps reduce lipids in statin-treated patients

MedWire News - Lipidology — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Treatment with the thyroid hormone analogue eprotirome produces significant additional reductions in low-density lipoprotein cholesterol in statin-treated patients with dyslipidemia, report researchers. (Source: MedWire News - Lipidology)

Blood Pressure Drugs No Help for Diabetes

Health News: CBSNews.com — Sun, 14 Mar 2010 20:33:17 +0100

Studies: Statins, Fibrates to Lower Fats, Cholesterol and Blood Pressure Do Not Reduce Heart Attack Risk in Diabetics (Source: Health News: CBSNews.com)

No heart benefit seen with fibrates in diabetics

Reuters: Health — Sun, 14 Mar 2010 12:16:02 +0100

ATLANTA (Reuters) - Adding a triglyceride lowering drug to cholesterol fighting statins provided no additional protection from heart attack, stroke and death from heart disease in patients with Type 2 diabetes, according to data from a large study. (Source: Reuters: Health)

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ACCORD: Fenofibrate No Benefit to Statin Therapy in High-Risk Diabetic Patients

Medscape Today Headlines — Sun, 14 Mar 2010 12:00:00 +0100

The findings do not support the use of combination fibrate-statin therapy to reduce cardiovascular risk in the majority of patients with type 2 diabetes who are at high risk for cardiovascular disease, according to the ACCORD investigators. Heartwire (Source: Medscape Today Headlines)

ACCORD: Fenofibrate no benefit to statin therapy in high-risk diabetic patients

theHeart.org — Sun, 14 Mar 2010 12:00:00 +0100

The findings do not support the use of combination fibrate-statin therapy to reduce cardiovascular risk in the majority of patients with type 2 diabetes who are at high risk for cardiovascular... For complete story visit theheart.org. (Source: theHeart.org)

ACC: Fibrate+statin therapy do not lower CV events in adult diabetics

Cardiovascular Business News — Sun, 14 Mar 2010 11:36:32 +0100

ATLANTA—Treating multiple blood lipids with combination drug therapy of a fibrate and a statin did not reduce the combined risk of cardiovascular disease events more than treatment with statin alone, according to the ACCORD trial presented today at the late breaking clinicals session at ACC.10. Slides» (Source: Cardiovascular Business News)

Effects of Combination Lipid Therapy in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

New England Journal of Medicine — Sun, 14 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Background We investigated whether combination therapy with a statin plus a fibrate, as compared with statin monotherapy, would reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease in patients with type 2 diabetes ... (Source: New England Journal of Medicine)

Adverse effects of drugs on small intestine and colon

Best Practice & Research. Clinical Gastroenterology — Sat, 13 Mar 2010 14:21:57 +0100

The small and large intestine are one of the most common sites for the adverse action of drugs, accounting for 20–40% of all drug side effects. The most important factor in the diagnosis of drug-induced intestinal side effect is awareness. The mechanisms of damage are invariably complex, but may be due to topical effects, a known pharmacologic action of the drug on motility (for instance cholinergic/anti-cholinergic effect) and/or secretion, immune suppression and in the case of cytotoxic drug treatment a combination of many actions. The diagnosis of damage may be simple and widely recognised (NSAID-induced enteropathy resulting in bleeding, protein loss and rarely perforation and diaphragm disease), or at other times ignored (tricyclic antidepressants increasing constipation) or life th...

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Drug induced pancreatitis

Best Practice & Research. Clinical Gastroenterology — Sat, 13 Mar 2010 14:21:57 +0100

525 different drugs that can, as an adverse reaction, induce acute pancreatitis are listed in a WHO database. Compared to other causes drugs represent a relatively rare cause of pancreatitis. They should be considered as a triggering event in patients with no other identifiable cause of the disease, who takes medications that have been shown to induce pancreatitis. The prevalence of drug-induced pancreatitis is still unclear because most incidences have been documented only as isolated case reports. The overall incidence probably ranges from between 0.1 and 2% of pancreatitis cases. For only very few substances evidence from controlled trials has been obtained. Epidemiologic data suggest the risk of pancreatitis is highest for mesalazine (HR 3.5,) azathioprine (HR 2,5) and simvastatine (HR...

Safely Lowers 'Bad' Cholesterol In Statin-Treated Patients

Health News from Medical News Today — Sat, 13 Mar 2010 01:00:00 +0100

People whose "bad" cholesterol and risk of future heart disease stay too high despite cholesterol-lowering statin therapy can safely lower it by adding a drug that mimics the action of thyroid hormone. In a report published in the Mar. 11, issue of the New England Journal of Medicine, Johns Hopkins and Swedish researchers say an experimental drug called eprotirome lowered cholesterol up to 32 percent in those already on statins, an effect equal to that expected from doubling the statin drug doses, without harmful side effects... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Safely Lowers 'Bad' Cholesterol In Statin-Treated Patients

Cholesterol News From Medical News Today — Sat, 13 Mar 2010 01:00:00 +0100

Colesevelam: in pediatric patients with heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia.

Paediatric Drugs — Sat, 13 Mar 2010 00:40:06 +0100

Authors: Perry CM Colesevelam hydrochloride (colesevelam), a non-absorbed, synthetic, lipid-lowering polymer, is a bile acid sequestrant. Colesevelam binds with high affinity to bile acids within the gastrointestinal tract, thereby inhibiting the reabsorption of bile acids, resulting in decreases in serum low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels. Colesevelam is available as tablets and as powder for oral suspension. At dosages of 3.75 g once daily or 1.875 g twice daily, colesevelam is approved in the US for the treatment of pediatric patients aged 10-17 years with heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia. Colesevelam may be administered as monotherapy or in combination with an HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor (statin). A 32-week trial was conducted and consisted of a stabliliza...

Chlamydia pneumoniae IgG and IgA antibody titers and prognosis in patients with coronary heart disease: results from the CLARICOR trial

Diagnostic Microbiology and Infectious Disease — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 16:32:52 +0100

Abstract: The association observed between coronary heart disease (CHD) and Chlamydia (Chlamydophila) pneumoniae antibodies prompted, during the 1990s, several primary and secondary prevention trials with various antibiotics. In our CLARICOR trial, a randomized placebo-controlled trial in 4372 patients with stable CHD, a brief clarithromycin regimen was followed, unexpectedly, by increased long-term mortality. We now compare C. pneumoniae antibody levels at entry with population levels, with the patients' individual histories, and with their subsequent outcomes. IgG antibody levels were somewhat raised, but elevated IgA and IgG titers were unrelated to entry data (including prior acute myocardial infarction), except for an association with smoking and with not using statins. Hazards of mor...

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Fluvastatin as an adjuvant to pegylated interferon and ribavirin in HIV/hepatitis C virus genotype 1 co-infected patients: an open-label randomized controlled study

Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 16:27:28 +0100

Conclusions Fluvastatin addition to standard therapy did not significantly increase the SVR rate in HIV/HCV genotype 1 co-infected patients; however, it did significantly improve the RVR. Further studies are needed to confirm these promising results and to investigate the mechanisms of action of statins in HCV infection. (Source: Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy)

Experimental Drug that Mimics Thryoid Hormone Safely Lowers 'Bad' Cholesterol in Statin-Treated Patients-3/10/10

Johns Hopkins Medicine News — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 15:32:26 +0100

People whose “bad” cholesterol and risk of future heart disease stay too high despite cholesterol-lowering statin therapy can safely lower it by adding a drug that mimics the action of thyroid hormone. In a report published in the Mar. 11, issue of the New England Journal of Medicine, Johns Hopkins and Swedish researchers say an experimental drug called eprotirome lowered cholesterol up to 32 percent in those already on statins, an effect equal to that expected from doubling the statin drug doses, without harmful side effects. (Source: Johns Hopkins Medicine News)

Problem of immortal time bias in cohort studies: example using statins for preventing progression of diabetes

BMJ Online First — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 12:16:39 +0100

(Source: BMJ Online First)

Thyroid Hormone Analogue For Treating High Cholesterol

Health News from Medical News Today — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 09:00:00 +0100

An experimental thyroid drug reduces cholesterol without the troublesome side effects experienced by some people on statins, according to a study published today in The New England Journal of Medicine. An international team of investigators at Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, the Karolinska University Hospital and Institute, and The Feinstein Institute for Medical Research tested a substance called Eprotirome in patients with high cholesterol... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Thyroid Hormone Analogue For Treating High Cholesterol

Cardiovascular / Cardiology News From Medical News Today — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 09:00:00 +0100

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New Drug Candidate Reduces Blood Lipids

Health News from Medical News Today — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 08:00:00 +0100

A thyroid-hormone-like substance that works specifically on the liver reduces blood cholesterol with no serious side effects. This according to a clinical trial conducted by researchers from the Swedish medical university Karolinska Institutet, amongst other centres, published in the top-ranking scientific periodical The New England Journal of Medicine. High cholesterol levels in the blood are primarily treated with a group of drugs called statins, but they are not always sufficiently effective and higher doses commonly cause adverse reactions... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

The New England Journal Of Medicine Publishes Clinical Results On Karo Bio's

Health News from Medical News Today — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 04:00:00 +0100

The Swedish biotech company Karo Bio (Reuters: KARO.ST) announced the publication of results from a clinical phase II trial evaluating the company's liver selective thyroid hormone receptor agonist eprotirome and its ability to further reduce serum LDL cholesterol levels in statin-treated patients. The results are published in the March 11, 2010 edition of the New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM). The study was a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind multi-center trial of three months duration, performed between November 2007 and June 2008... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

The New England Journal Of Medicine Publishes Clinical Results On Karo Bio's

Cholesterol News From Medical News Today — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 04:00:00 +0100

Outcome of coronary plaque burden: a 10-year follow-up of aggressive medical management

Cardiovascular Ultrasound — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Background: : The effect of aggressive medical therapy on quantitative coronary plaque burden is not generally known, especially in ethnic Chinese. AIMS: We reasoned that Cardiac CT could conveniently quantify early coronary atherosclerosis in our patient population, and hypothesized that serial observation could differentiate the efficacy of aggressive medical therapy regarding progression and regression of the atherosclerotic process, as well as evaluating the additional impact of life-style modification and the relative effects of the application of statin therapy.MethodS: We employed a standardized Cardiac CT protocol to serially scan 113 westernized Hong Kong Chinese individuals (64 men and 49 women) with chest pain and positive coronary risk factors. In all cases included for this se...

Cholesterol and Cognitive Performance in Normal Controls and the Influence of Elective Statin Use after Conversion to Mild Cognitive Impairment: Results in a Clinical Trial Cohort.

Neuro-Degenerative Diseases — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: Cholesterol levels may be associated with differential performance on the MMSE and measures of learning or memory. The trend for improved delayed recall in statin users with MCI compared to non-LLA users with MCI may have contributed to the reduced hazards risk of incident AD without reducing the risk of MCI. PMID: 20224282 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Neuro-Degenerative Diseases)

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Cholesterol and Cognitive Performance in Normal Controls and the Influence of Elective Statin Use after Conversion to Mild Cognitive Impairment: Results in a Clinical Trial Cohort

Neurodegenerative Diseases — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 23:00:00 +0100

Neurodegenerative Dis 2010;7:183186 (DOI:10.1159/000295660) (Source: Neurodegenerative Diseases)

Protein mediators of sterol transport across intestinal brush border membrane.

Sub-Cellular Biochemistry — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 16:32:03 +0100

Authors: Brown JM, Yu L Dysregulation of cholesterol balance contributes significantly to atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD), the leading cause of death in the United States. The intestine has the unique capability to act as a gatekeeper for entry of cholesterol into the body, and inhibition of intestinal cholesterol absorption is now widely regarded as an attractive non-statin therapeutic strategy for ASCVD prevention. In this chapter we discuss the current state of knowledge regarding sterol transport across the intestinal brush border membrane. The purpose of this work is to summarize substantial progress made in the last decade in regards to protein-mediated sterol trafficking, and to discuss this in the context of human disease. PMID: 20213550 [PubMed - in process]...

Cholesterol in Alzheimer's Disease and other Amyloidogenic Disorders.

Sub-Cellular Biochemistry — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 16:32:03 +0100

Authors: Harris JR, Milton NG The complex association of cholesterol metabolism and Alzheimer's disease is presented in depth, including the possible benefits to be gained from cholesterol-lowering statin therapy. Then follows a survey of the role of neuronal membrane cholesterol in Abeta pore formation and Abeta fibrillogenesis, together with the link with membrane raft domains and gangliosides. The contribution of structural studies to Abeta fibrillogenesis, using TEM and AFM, is given some emphasis. The role of apolipoprotein E and its isoforms, in particular ApoE4, in cholesterol and Abeta binding is presented, in relation to genetic risk factors for Alzheimer's disease. Increasing evidence suggests that cholesterol oxidation products are of importance in generation of Alzheimer's ...

Eprotirome Further Reduces Cholesterol Levels in Statin-Treated Patients

Medscape Today Headlines — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 16:05:12 +0100

The thyroid hormone analog further reduced total- and LDL-cholesterol levels, as well as triglycerides, without any adverse effects. Commonly observed side effects of past thyroid hormone mimetics have included a rapid heart rate or atrial dysrhythmias, but these were not reported with eprotirome. Heartwire (Source: Medscape Today Headlines)

Experimental drug that mimics thryoid hormone safely lowers 'bad' cholesterol

ScienceDaily Headlines — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 16:00:00 +0100

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Efficacy and Safety of Rosuvastatin Therapy for Children With Familial Hypercholesterolemia

Journal of the American College of Cardiology — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 13:54:39 +0100

This study was undertaken to evaluate the efficacy and safety of rosuvastatin therapy for children with familial hypercholesterolemia.Background: Familial hypercholesterolemia is a common inherited disorder causing markedly elevated low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels from birth and resulting in premature atherosclerosis. In children, statins have been shown to be effective in reducing LDL-C, restoring flow-mediated dilation, and slowing carotid intima-media thickening. However, few children in these trials achieved current LDL-C goals.Methods: This study comprised a 12-week double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial, followed by a 40-week open-label, titration-to-goal extension phase in 177 pubertal children, ages 10 to 17 years, with familial hypercholesterolemia. ...

New Thyroid Medicine Works As Well As Statins, Study Shows

Drugs.com - Pharma News — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 13:34:25 +0100

From Newsday (Melville, NY) (March 11, 2010) An experimental thyroid medication lowers cholesterol just as effectively as statins -- the most popularly prescribed cholesterol drugs on the market -- and without many of the bothersome side effects,... (Source: Drugs.com - Pharma News)

Novel Thyroid Hormone Analogue Aids Lipid Lowering (CME/CE)

MedPage Today Cardiovascular — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 13:32:11 +0100

An experimental agent that mimics thyroid hormone in the liver enhanced the lipid-lowering effect of statins in a randomized, controlled trial. (Source: MedPage Today Cardiovascular)

New Drug Reduces Bad Cholesterol And Triglycerides Without Statin Side Effects

Health News from Medical News Today — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 11:00:00 +0100

A new drug, eprotirome, has been shown to significantly lower bad cholesterol, triglycerides and Lp(A), without the side effects that statins cause in many people. Results of a study were published in the New England Journal of Medicine. "Our study has shown a dramatic reduction in the dangerous fats that cause heart disease, the number one killer of Americans," said Dr. John Baxter, director of the Genomic Medicine Program at The Methodist Hospital Research Institute and co-author for the study... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Experimental Drug That Mimics Thyroid Hormone Safely Lowers 'Bad' Cholesterol In Statin-Treated Patients

Health News from Medical News Today — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 11:00:00 +0100

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New Drug Reduces Bad Cholesterol And Triglycerides Without Statin Side Effects

Cholesterol News From Medical News Today — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 11:00:00 +0100

A new drug, eprotirome, has been shown to significantly lower bad cholesterol, triglycerides and Lp(A), without the side effects that statins cause in many people. Results of a study were published in the New England Journal of Medicine. "Our study has shown a dramatic reduction in the dangerous fats that cause heart disease, the number one killer of Americans," said Dr... (Source: Cholesterol News From Medical News Today)

Experimental Drug That Mimics Thyroid Hormone Safely Lowers 'Bad' Cholesterol In Statin-Treated Patients

Cholesterol News From Medical News Today — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 11:00:00 +0100

New cholesterol drug tested

NHS News Feed — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 10:13:00 +0100

Conclusion This is an important and well-conducted trial, which has demonstrated the potential of a drug, eprotirome, to lower cholesterol levels. However, conclusions about the effects of this drug should not be made too prematurely and much further research is needed: So far, use of the drug alone has not been compared to statin treatment. In this trial eprotirome or inactive placebo was only ever given in addition to people’s long-term statins. Therefore no comparison of cholesterol-lowering effect of each of the treatments alone can be made. Only a small number of people were included in the trial: 47 on the 25microgram dose, 46 on 50micrograms, and 44 on the 100microgram dose of eprotirome. These groups of participants are too small to draw any conclusions on the safety or eff...

New 'statin' without side effects developed by scientists

the Mail online | Health — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 09:55:51 +0100

Eprotirome tablets rapidly lowered cholesterol and other dangerous blood fats in men and women for whom statins were not working well. (Source: the Mail online | Health)

Alternative to Statins Shows Promise

MedicineNet Cholesterol General — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 07:00:00 +0100

Title: Alternative to Statins Shows PromiseCategory: Health NewsCreated: 3/10/2010 6:10:00 PMLast Editorial Review: 3/11/2010 (Source: MedicineNet Cholesterol General)

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Alternative to Statins Shows Promise

MedicineNet Crohn's Disease General — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 07:00:00 +0100

Title: Alternative to Statins Shows PromiseCategory: Health NewsCreated: 3/10/2010 6:10:00 PMLast Editorial Review: 3/11/2010 (Source: MedicineNet Crohn's Disease General)

Alternative to Statins Shows Promise

MedicineNet Senior Health General — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 07:00:00 +0100

Title: Alternative to Statins Shows PromiseCategory: Health NewsCreated: 3/10/2010 6:10:00 PMLast Editorial Review: 3/11/2010 (Source: MedicineNet Senior Health General)

Alternative to Statins Shows Promise

MedicineNet Mens Health General — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 07:00:00 +0100

Title: Alternative to Statins Shows PromiseCategory: Health NewsCreated: 3/10/2010 6:10:00 PMLast Editorial Review: 3/11/2010 (Source: MedicineNet Mens Health General)

Thyroid hormone analogue for treating high cholesterol

EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 05:00:00 +0100

(North Shore-Long Island Jewish (LIJ) Health System) An experimental thyroid drug reduces cholesterol without the troublesome side effects experienced by some people on statins, according to a study published today in the New England Journal of Medicine. An international team of investigators at Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, the Karolinska University Hospital and Institute, and The Feinstein Institute for Medical Research tested a substance called Eprotirome in patients with high cholesterol. (Source: EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health)

Management of dyslipidemia in people with type 2 diabetes mellitus

Reviews in Endocrine & Metabolic Disorders — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 02:47:41 +0100

Abstract Cardiovascular disease is a major complication of type 2 diabetes mellitus, and this is partly due to associated abnormalities of plasma lipid and lipoprotein metabolism. Although glycemic control improves plasma lipoprotein abnormalities and may have an independent benefit on cardiovascular risk reduction, the magnitude of this benefit is less than cholesterol lowering therapy. Current treatment guidelines for the management of dyslipidemia in people with type 2 diabetes are based on the results of cardiovascular outcome clinical trials. Primary emphasis of treatment should be on lowering LDL-C to < 100 mg/dl with statins. If cardiovascular disease is present, then high dose statins should be used, and an optional LDL-C goal < 70 is recommended. If tri...

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Prevention of Peri-procedural Myocardial Injury Using a Single High Loading Dose of Rosuvastatin

Cardiovascular Drugs and Therapy — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 02:45:03 +0100

Conclusion A single high loading dose of rosuvastatin reduces the incidence of peri-procedural myocardial necrosis and infarction effectively. Content Type Journal ArticleDOI 10.1007/s10557-010-6224-1Authors Serkan Cay, Yuksek Ihtisas Heart-Education and Research Hospital Department of Cardiology Ankara TurkeyGoksel Cagirci, Ministry of Health Dışkapı Yıldırım Beyazıt Research and Educational Hospital Department of Cardiology Ankara TurkeyNihat Sen, Mustafa Kemal University, Faculty of Medicine Department of Cardiology Hatay TurkeyYucel Balbay, Yuksek Ihtisas Heart-Education and Research Hospital Department of Cardiology Ankara TurkeyTahir Durmaz, Ataturk Education and Research Hospital Department of Cardiology Ankara TurkeySinan Aydogdu, Yuksek Ihtisas Heart-Edu...

CVN: Heart Minute

Cardiosource — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Red Yeast Rice or Statins? (Source: Cardiosource)

Thyroid hormone analogue eprotirome may be useful for statin-treated dyslipidaemia

NeLM - News — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Source: NEJM Area: News According to research published in the New England Journal of Medicine, the thyroid hormone analogue eprotirome may be a useful option in patients in whom statins alone cannot reverse dyslipidaemia. Researchers state that because thyroid hormone lowers levels of serum low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol and has other potentially favourable actions on lipoprotein metabolism, they evaluated the safety and efficacy of the thyromimetic compound eprotirome (KB2115) in lowering the level of serum LDL cholesterol in patients with hypercholesterolemia who were already receiving simvastatin or atorvastatin. The placebo-controlled, double-blind study involved a total of 184 patients randomised to receive either placebo (n=47) or eprotirome at a do...

Eprotirome further reduces cholesterol levels in statin-treated patients

theHeart.org — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 22:00:00 +0100

The thyroid hormone analog further reduced total- and LDL-cholesterol levels, as well as triglycerides, without any adverse effects. Commonly observed side effects of past thyroid hormone mimetics... For complete story visit theheart.org. (Source: theHeart.org)

Alternative to Statins Shows Promise

MedlinePlus Health News — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 22:00:00 +0100

Broader study needed to check for possible long-term effects, experts say Source: HealthDay Related MedlinePlus Pages: Cholesterol, Medicines, Statins (Source: MedlinePlus Health News)

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Concomitant statin use does not impair the clinical outcome of patients with diffuse large B cell lymphoma treated with rituximab-CHOP

Annals of Hematology — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 15:33:39 +0100

Abstract Preclinical data indicated a detrimental effect of statins on the anti-lymphoma activity of rituximab. We evaluated the impact of concomitant statin medication on the response and survival of patients with diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL) receiving rituximab–cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, prednisone (R-CHOP) as first-line therapy. Medical histories of patients with DLBCL who were treated with R-CHOP as first-line therapy were assessed for concomitant statin use, response after completion of chemotherapy, event-free survival (EFS), and overall survival (OS). Furthermore, 2-[18F]fluor-2-deoxyglucose (FDG)-PET/CT results after completion of first-line therapy were compared between the groups. Overall, 145 patients with DLBCL treated with R-CHOP fro...

The Pathogenesis and Treatment of the Valvulopathy of Aortic Stenosis: Beyond the SEAS

Current Cardiology Reports — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 13:17:53 +0100

Abstract Fibrocalcific aortic stenosis (AS) results from an active process similar to atherosclerosis that involves basement membrane disruption, lipid deposition, inflammatory cell infiltration, and calcification. Consequently, 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase inhibitors (statins) have been extensively studied as potential therapeutic agents capable of slowing the progression of AS. However, two randomized trials, SALTIRE and the SEAS study, showed no benefit with statin therapy for AS. These results have shed doubt over the efficacy of statin therapy for AS, although their potential efficacy at early stages of aortic valve disease remains possible. In this article, we review the pathophysiology of fibrocalcific AS and discuss future directions fo...

DNA cleavage and antimicrobial investigation of Co(II), Ni(II), and Cu(II) complexes with triazole Schiff bases: synthesis and spectral characterization

Medicinal Chemistry Research — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 12:53:56 +0100

Abstract The Co(II), Ni(II), and Cu(II) complexes with Schiff bases derived from 3-substituted-4-amino-5-mercapto-1,2,4-triazole and fluvastatin have been synthesized. Schiff bases exhibited thiol–thione tautomerism and coordinated to metal ion through azomethine nitrogen and thiolate sulphur atoms. Square planar geometry for all the metal complexes of the type ML2 has been proposed in the light of analytical, spectral (IR, UV–Vis., ESR, and FAB-mass), magnetic, and thermal studies. The antimicrobial studies of Schiff bases and their metal complexes against various antibacterial (Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Bacillus subtilis) and antifungal (Aspergillus niger, and Pencillium Chrysogenum) species by Minimum Inhibitory Concentration m...

Experimental drug that mimics thryoid hormone safely lowers 'bad' cholesterol

EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 05:00:00 +0100

(Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions) People whose "bad" cholesterol and risk of future heart disease stay too high despite cholesterol-lowering statin therapy can safely lower it by adding a drug that mimics the action of thyroid hormone. (Source: EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health)

Paradoxical Decrease in High-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol with Fenofibrate: A Quite Rare Phenomenon Indeed

Cardiovascular Therapeutics — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Some recent clinical reports have suggested that paradoxical decreases in high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) levels after fenofibrate treatment may be quite common. These appear to occur mainly in patients with combined fibrate/statin therapy and possibly in those with low baseline HDL-C. Reports on HDL-C reductions after fenofibrate are possibly supported by the disappointing results in terms of HDL-C responses from the recent FIELD study. A survey on 581 patients treated for 1 year or longer was carried out in our Clinical Center. This indicated that paradoxical HDL-C reductions are a relatively uncommon phenomenon. Not more than 15.3% of the present series showed an HDL-C reduction, mostly of a modest degree. Further, reductions of HDL-C appear to occur mainly in individuals w...

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Thyroid Hormone Analogue Improves Cholesterol Lowering

Modern Medicine — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

The addition of the thyroid hormone analogue eprotirome to conventional statin therapy further reduces low-density lipoprotein cholesterol substantially, without significant adverse events, according to a study in the March 11 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine. (Source: Modern Medicine)

Use of the Thyroid Hormone Analogue Eprotirome in Statin-Treated Dyslipidemia

New England Journal of Medicine — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

This randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind, multicenter trial assessed the safety and efficacy of the thyromimetic compound eprotirome in lowering the serum low-density lipoprotein cholesterol level in patients with hypercholesterolemia who were already receiving simvastatin or atorvastatin. Eprotirome was associated with decreased LDL levels in patients treated with statins. (Source: New England Journal of Medicine)

Effect of Atorvastatin and Ezetimibe Treatment on Serum Lipid Profile and Oxidative State in Rats Fed With a High-Cholesterol Diet.

The American Journal of the Medical Sciences — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSIONS:: Atorvastatin has a beneficial effect on oxidative stress in rats fed with high-cholesterol diet. A combination of ezetimibe with atorvastatin diminishes the beneficial effects of atorvastatin. Conversely, the sole administration of ezetimibe increases oxidative stress. PMID: 20224310 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: The American Journal of the Medical Sciences)

Different Effects of Commonly Prescribed Statins on Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Wall Biology.

PubMed: Eur J Vasc Endovasc ... — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSIONS: The use of statins was not associated with a decrease in protease levels or inflammation. The trends of elevated protease levels associated with pravastatin use suggest pleiotropic differences among the various statins, supporting the need for further research to target pharmaceutical AAA treatment. PMID: 20226696 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: PubMed: Eur J Vasc Endovasc ...)

Baseline cholesterol absorption and the response to ezetimibe/simvastatin therapy: a post-hoc analysis of the ENHANCE trial [Research Articles]

The Journal of Lipid Research — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 19:16:08 +0100

Subjects with increased cholesterol absorption might benefit more from statin therapy combined with a cholesterol absorption inhibitor. We assessed whether baseline cholesterol absorption markers were associated with response to ezetimibe/simvastatin therapy, in terms of LDL-cholesterol (LDL-C) lowering and cholesterol absorption inhibition, in patients with familial hypercholesterolemia (FH). In a posthoc analysis of the two-year ENHANCE trial, we assessed baseline cholesterol-adjusted campesterol (campesterol/TC) and sitosterol/TC ratios in 591 FH patients. Associations with LDL-C changes and changes in cholesterol absorption markers were evaluated by multiple regression analysis. No association was observed between baseline markers of cholesterol absorption and the extent of LDL-C respo...

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LIPITOR (Atorvastatin Calcium) Tablet, Film Coated [Parke-Davis Division Of Pfizer Inc]

DailyMed Drug Label Updates for the last seven days (since May 20, 2007 EST) — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 05:00:00 +0100

Updated Date: Mar 9, 2010 EST (Source: DailyMed Drug Label Updates for the last seven days (since May 20, 2007 EST))

Preadmission statin use and one-year mortality among patients in intensive care - A cohort study

BioMed Central — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: Preadmission statin use was associated with reduced risk of death following intensive care. The associations seen could be a pharmacological effect of statins, but unmeasured differences in characteristics of statin users and non-users cannot be entirely ruled out. (Source: BioMed Central)

Women Benefit as Much as Men From Statins for Primary Prevention of CVD

Medscape Cardiology Headlines — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 18:04:17 +0100

Statin use by women cuts their risk of primary cardiovascular disease (CVD) events by roughly a third, which is similar to the risk reduction seen in men, research shows. Reuters Health Information (Source: Medscape Cardiology Headlines)

Cutting Feedback in Bayesian Regression Adjustment for the Propensity Score

The International Journal of Biostatistics — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 16:57:05 +0100

McCandless, Gustafson and Austin (2009) describe a Bayesian approach to regression adjustment for the propensity score to reduce confounding. A unique property of the method is that the treatment and outcome models are combined via Bayes theorem. However, this estimation procedure can be problematic if the outcome model is misspecified. We observe feedback that can bias propensity score estimates. Building on new innovation in Bayesian computation, we propose a technique for cutting feedback in a Bayesian propensity analysis. We use the posterior distribution of the propensity scores as an input in the regression model for the outcome. The method is approximately Bayesian in the sense that it does not use the full likelihood for estimation. Nonetheless, it severs feedback between the treat...

NSAID, Statin Use May Cut Cancer Risk With PPI-Treated Barrett's Esophagus

Medscape Hematology-Oncology Headlines — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 13:36:40 +0100

A study shows that nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and statins can nearly halve the risk for esophageal adenocarcinoma in patients taking proton-pump inhibitors for Barrett's esophagus. Reuters Health Information (Source: Medscape Hematology-Oncology Headlines)

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Cholesterol Drugs May Treat Psoriasis

WebMD Health — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 05:00:00 +0100

A study shows cholesterol-lowering statins may help treat psoriasis. (Source: WebMD Health)

Ezetrol 10mg tablets (ezetimibe) - Revised SPC

NeLM - SPC Changes — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Source: eMC (electronic Medicines Compendium) Area: Other Library Updates > SPC Changes In section 4.2 "Posology and method of administration" and under the sub-section "Use in paediatric patients" the following change has been made: Adolescents: >10 years (pubertal status: boys Tanner Stage IIII and above girls: at least one year post menarche): No dosage adjustment is required (see section 5.2). However, clinical experience in paediatric and adolescent patients (aged 10 - 17 years old) is limited. When Ezetrol is administered with simvastatin, the dosage instructions for simvastatin in adolescents should be consulted. In section 4.5 "Interaction with other medicinal products and other forms of interaction", change as follows: Concomitant fenofibrate or gemfibrozil adm...

Corporate executives’ adherence to statins poor

MedWire News - Lipidology — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Results from a study of corporate executives show that only 68% took statins as prescribed by their doctor. (Source: MedWire News - Lipidology)

No significant effect of uridine or pravastatin treatment for HIV lipoatrophy in men who have ceased thymidine analogue nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor therapy: a randomized trial*

HIV Medicine — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Lipoatrophy can complicate thymidine analogue nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (tNRTI)-based antiretroviral therapy (ART). Lipoatrophy may be less likely with ART including ritonavir-boosted lopinavir (LPV/r). Small, placebo-controlled studies found that uridine (in tNRTI recipients) and pravastatin improved HIV lipoatrophy over 12 weeks. Today, most patients with lipoatrophy receive non-tNRTI-based ART; the effect of uridine in such patients is unknown. We performed a prospective, randomized trial in lipoatrophic adults with plasma HIV RNA (Source: HIV Medicine)

A cluster randomized controlled Trial to Evaluate an Ambulatory primary care Management program for patients with dyslipidemia: the TEAM study.

cmaj — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Villeneuve J, Genest J, Blais L, Vanier MC, Lamarre D, Fredette M, Lussier MT, Perreault S, Hudon E, Berbiche D, Lalonde L BACKGROUND: Few studies have reported the efficacy of collaborative care involving family physicians and community pharmacists for patients with dyslipidemia. METHODS: We randomly assigned clusters consisting of at least two physicians and at least four pharmacists to provide collaborative care or usual care. Under the collaborative care model, pharmacists counselled patients about their medications, requested laboratory tests, monitored the effectiveness and safety of medications and patients' adherence to therapy, and adjusted medication dosages. After 12 months of follow-up, we assessed changes in lowdensity lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol (the primary ou...

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Efficacy of Rosuvastatin Among Men and Women With Moderate Chronic Kidney Disease and Elevated High-Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein: A Secondary Analysis From the JUPITER (Justification for the Use of Statins in Prevention–an Intervention Trial Evaluating Rosuvastatin) Trial

Journal of the American College of Cardiology — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Objectives: We evaluated the efficacy of statin therapy in primary prevention among individuals with moderate chronic kidney disease (CKD).Background: Whether patents with moderate CKD (estimated glomerular filtration rate [eGFR] (Source: Journal of the American College of Cardiology)

Winning from Boosting Good Cholesterol (RVXCF, RVX, PFE, AZN, MRK)

BioHealth Investor — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 16:13:34 +0100

BioHealthInvestor usually sticks to US companies or at least sticks to ADRs for investors. But sometimes there is a much larger bit of data either north of the border or in Europe. There is a company called Resverlogix Corp. which trades in Canada under the ticker ‘RVX’ and the stock also trades in the US on the Pink Sheets under the ticker ‘RVXCF.’ The stock is soaring today after Bloomberg gave a very positive article highlighting the merits of the company’s RVX-208. This potential drug candidate is targeting atherosclerosis in acute coronary syndrome patients. The target is to raise HDL levels to effectively reverse arterial plaque buildup. The company noted that there are approximately 350 million patients that require treatment for atheroscl...

Development of a Scaleable Process for the Synthesis of a Next-Generation Statin

Organic Process Research — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 11:07:38 +0100

Organic Process Research & Development, Volume 0, Issue 0, Articles ASAP (As Soon As Publishable). (Source: Organic Process Research)

TRAF1/C5 polymorphism is not associated with increased mortality in rheumatoid arthritis; two large longitudinal studies

Arthritis Research and Therapy — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: The TRAF1/C5 region is not associated with an increased mortality risk. (Source: Arthritis Research and Therapy)

Impact of the CD40-CD40L dyad in Alzheimer's Disease.

CNS and Neurological Disorders Drug Targets — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Giunta B, Rezai-Zadeh K, Tan J As the number of elderly individuals rises, Alzheimer's disease (AD), marked by amyloid-beta deposition, neurofibrillary tangle formation, and low-level neuroinflammation, is expected to lead to an ever-worsening socioeconomic burden. AD pathoetiologic mechanisms are believed to involve chronic microglial activation. This phenomenon is associated with increased expression of membrane-bound CD40 with its cognate ligand, CD40 ligand (CD40L), as well as increased circulating levels of soluble forms of CD40 (sCD40) and CD40L (sCD40L). Here, we review the role of this inflammatory dyad in the pathogenesis of AD. In addition, we examine potential therapeutic strategies such as statins, flavonoids, and human umbilical cord blood transplantation, all of ...

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Cholesterol Drugs May Fight Asthma, Too

Medscape Today Headlines — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 23:11:30 +0100

A study shows a link between statins and improved lung function in asthma patients. WebMD Health News (Source: Medscape Today Headlines)

Insulin resistance may enhance statin response

MedWire News - Lipidology — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 18:46:01 +0100

Insulin resistance is associated with an enhanced response to statin therapy, research suggests. (Source: MedWire News - Lipidology)

Rosuvastatin Prevents Conduit Artery Endothelial Dysfunction Induced by Ischemia and Reperfusion by a Cyclooxygenase-2–Dependent Mechanism

Journal of the American College of Cardiology — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 13:56:40 +0100

Conclusions: Rosuvastatin pharmacologically prevents the development of IR-induced conduit artery endothelial dysfunction. This beneficial effect of rosuvastatin is mediated by a COX-2–dependent mechanism, evidence that may also provide potential mechanistic insight into the reported cardiotoxic effects of COX-2 inhibitors. (Source: Journal of the American College of Cardiology)

Even The Boss Doesn't Follow The Doctor's Orders

Health News from Medical News Today — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 09:00:00 +0100

Only 68 percent of corporate executives took their cholesterol lowering medication as prescribed by a doctor, a new study shows. Overall, the executives who took their medication even sporadically were twice as likely to meet their cholesterol goals. The study finding also questions the prevailing wisdom that income is a primary factor in medication adherence... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Even The Boss Doesn't Follow The Doctor's Orders

Statins News From Medical News Today — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 09:00:00 +0100

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Why mobility scooters can increase your risk of diabetes and heart disease

the Mail online | Health — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 02:13:15 +0100

A study of scooter users in the U.S. found nearly one in five developed diabetes after buying one to get around. Many also needed to be prescribed higher doses of blood pressure pills and statins. (Source: the Mail online | Health)

A Pharmacogenetics-based Approach to Reduce Cardiovascular Mortality with the Prophylactic Use of Statins

Basic and Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Abstract: Nitric oxide (NO) is the main endothelial-derived relaxation factor and plays a major role in cardiovascular homeostasis. This key signalling molecule is synthesised by a family of nitric oxide synthases (NOS), and the endothelial isoform (eNOS) is the most important for nitric oxide formation in the cardiovascular system. Cardiovascular drugs including statins increase eNOS expression and up-regulate NO formation, and this effect may be responsible for protective, pleiotropic effects produced by statins. However, the genetic background may also affect NO formation in the cardiovascular system, and recent studies have shown that genetic polymorphisms in the eNOS gene modify endogenous NO formation and the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases. For example, cases with the CC ...

Statin Reduces Cardiovascular Events, Mortality in CKD

Modern Medicine — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Rosuvastatin (Crestor) reduces all-cause mortality and the incidence of first cardiovascular events among subjects with moderate chronic kidney disease, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol of less than 130 mg/dL, and elevated high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, according to research published online March 3 in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology. (Source: Modern Medicine)

Simvastatin Decreases Endothelial Progenitor Cell Apoptosis in the Kidney of Hypertensive Hypercholesterolemic Pigs.

Arteriosclerosis, Thrombosis and Vascular Biology — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSIONS: EPC are recruited but undergo apoptosis in the HTC kidney, likely because of a hostile microenvironment. Simvastatin rescues renal repair mechanisms in HTC and counteracts renal damage, which may account for its protective effects on the kidney during exposure to cardiovascular risk factors. PMID: 20203299 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Arteriosclerosis, Thrombosis and Vascular Biology)