 |
|
A possible risk group for statin use
March 24, 2009Appearing in the April issue of Journal of Lipid Research
In a patient study of over 1,000 individuals with coronary artery disease (CAD), researchers have found that high levels of an enzyme called PLTP significantly increased the risk of heart attack in the subset of patients taking statins. While follow-up studies will be needed to tease out the exact connection between PLTP and statins, this connection does suggest levels of PLTP in the blood should be a consideration for potential statin treatment.
PLTP (phospholipid transferprotein) is involved in the metabolism of cholesterol-containing molecules like LDL and HDL, and therefore has been associated with atherosclerosis and heart disease. The exact role of PLTP in cardiovascular health remains debated, though, so Axel Schlitt and colleagues measured PLTP levels in 1,085 patients with CAD and then tracked how PLTP related to clinical outcome.
During the follow-up period (~5.1 years), 156 of the trial subjects suffered a fatal or non-fatal heart attack, including 47 individuals who were taking statins (out of 395 total statin patients). The researchers found that in this statin subset, PLTP levels were a significant predictor of cardiovascular outcome. In the total cohort, PLTP levels and outcome were not associated.
So while the statin patients experienced a lower overall rate of heart attack (12% vs. 15% -though the researchers note it's not especially significant, statistically), some individuals taking these drugs are at higher risk than normal. Schlitt and colleagues hypothesize that the high PLTP levels may blunt the beneficial effects of statins, though additional studies will certainly be needed.
American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
During the follow-up period (~5.1 years), 156 of the trial subjects suffered a fatal or non-fatal heart attack, including 47 individuals who were taking statins (out of 395 total statin patients). The researchers found that in this statin subset, PLTP levels were a significant predictor of cardiovascular outcome. In the total cohort, PLTP levels and outcome were not associated.
So while the statin patients experienced a lower overall rate of heart attack (12% vs. 15% -though the researchers note it's not especially significant, statistically), some individuals taking these drugs are at higher risk than normal. Schlitt and colleagues hypothesize that the high PLTP levels may blunt the beneficial effects of statins, though additional studies will certainly be needed.
American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
Statins Current Events and Statins News RSSEarly end to key study on benefits of niacin, a B vitamin, in keeping arteries open was premature
Heart experts at Johns Hopkins are calling premature the early halt of a study by researchers at Walter Reed Army Medical Center and Washington Hospital Center on the benefits of combining extended-release niacin, a B vitamin, with cholesterol-lowering statin medications to prevent blood vessel narrowing.
Researchers mobilizing global resources to test new treatments for severe H1N1 infection
An important, ground-breaking initiative is unfolding in the global critical care community in response to the H1N1 pandemic.
Widely used cholesterol-lowering drug may prevent progression
Simvastatin, a commonly used, cholesterol-lowering drug, may prevent Parkinson's disease from progressing further. Neurological researchers at Rush University Medical Center conducted a study examining the use of the FDA-approved medication in mice with Parkinson's disease and found that the drug successfully reverses the biochemical, cellular and anatomical changes caused by the disease.
Statins show dramatic drug and cell dependent effects in the brain
Besides their tremendous value in treating high cholesterol and lowering the risk of heart disease, statins have also been reported to potentially lower the risks of other diseases, such as dementia.
Cholesterol-lowering medicines may be effective against cancer
Statins lower cholesterol by blocking certain enzymes involved in our metabolism.
Adding ezetimibe to atorvastatin improves lipid control
Adding ezetimibe to atorvastatin significantly boosted the attainment of lipid targets as specified by both Canadian and European guidelines in elderly patients aged 65 and older and the combination produced superior results than simply increasing the dose of atorvastatin alone.
Use of statins favors the wealthy, creating new social disparities in cholesterol
Since the introduction of statins to treat high cholesterol, the decline in lipid levels experienced by the wealthy has been double that experienced by the poor.
Women with Atrial Fibrillation Are at Significantly Higher Risk of Stroke and Death Compared to Men and Receive Less Attention
Even though the incidence of atrial fibrillation is higher in men than women, a review of past studies and medical literature completed by cardiac experts at Rush University Medical Center shows that women are more likely than men to experience symptomatic attacks, a higher frequency of recurrences, and significantly higher heart rates during atrial fibrillation, which increases the risk of stroke.
Pre-hospital organization: The first links in the chain of survival for heart attack patients
Mortality rate following a heart attack has fallen by more than 50% in Europe over the past 25 years. However, because only minor advances in the medical treatment of AMI are expected over the next decade, it is through organisational changes in the pre-hospital phase that mortality rate will continue this decline to below 5%.
Fatostatin' is a turnoff for fat genes
A small molecule earlier found to have both anti-fat and anti-cancer abilities works as a literal turnoff for fat-making genes, according to a new report in the August 28th issue of the journal Chemistry and Biology, a Cell Press journal.
More Statins Current Events and Statins News Articles
 |
Statin Drugs Side Effects and the Misguided War on Cholesterol by Duane Graveline (Author) If you are on a statin drug or are thinking of going on a statin, this fully referenced book, Statin Drug Side Effects, is a "must read" for you. The unacceptable legacy of statin drug use at today's high doses is a trail of chronic aches and pains, numbness, weakness, confusion, fatigue, shortness of breath and even heart failure in hordes of unsuspecting victims. Only by knowing this information, and in consultation with your healthcare professional, can you make an informed decision about your health care. If you are a user of Vytorin, Lipitor, Zocor, Crestor, Mevacor, Pravachol or Lescol you must read this book. Most of the statin side effects I discuss are unknown to your busy doctor. Although knowledgeable about muscle and liver problems, few have heard of statin amnesia and... |
 |
The Statin Damage Crisis by Duane Graveline (Author), Malcolm Kendrick (Introduction) The purpose in the choice of the title The Statin Damage Crisis is to draw attention to the thousands of statin damaged people who have written to Dr Graveline about their disabling neuropathies, myopathies and a variety of neurodegenerative conditions such as ALS and Parkinsonism associated with statin use. Although much of the book's content will be familiar to readers of Statin Drugs Side Effects, ( this was originally planned as a new edition ) the Statin Damage Crisis adds much new material that Dr Graveline has learned of in the past two years. Dr Graveline states: "Early on my NASA doctors told me my amnesia response to statins was nothing but a coincidence but I persevered to write my first book, Lipitor, Thief of Memory." "Then I learned of statin damage to nerves and... |
 |
What You Must Know About Statin Drugs & Their Natural Alternatives by Jay S. Cohen (Author) |
 |
Triumph of the Heart: The Story of Statins by Jie Jack Li (Author) Over 25 million people in the U.S. alone have benefited from statins--such drugs as Lipitor, Zocor, Crestor, Pravachol, and other cholesterol-lowering medicines--in preventing stroke, heart attack, and other forms of coronary heart disease. But how did these remarkable, life-saving drugs come into being? In Triumph of the Heart, Dr. Jie Jack Li, a medicinal chemist and expert on drug discovery, tells for the first time the fascinating story of statins. Drawn from discussions with many scientists involved in the discovery and development of these drugs, the book illuminates the human side of science by revealing the role played by persistence, luck, and sudden insight that characterize major discoveries. For scientists in the drug industry, health care professionals, students of medicine,... |
 |
Aidan C-Statin - 120 Capsules by Aidan C-Statin, a naturally occurring plant extract, contains a patented proteoglycan molecule (PGM) from field bindweed that is a potent angiogenesis inhibitor. Studies have demonstrated PGM to be 100 times stronger than shark cartilage. Used and recommended by healthcare professionals around the world. C-STATIN is a proprietary extract of Convolvulus arvensis hat contains high concentrations of active PGMs. |
 |
Natural Alternatives to Lipitor, Zocor & Other Statin Drugs: What to Use And Do to Help Lower Your Bad Cholesterol (Square One Health Guides) by Jay S. Cohen (Author) |
|
Statin the Facts by P. | |
 |
Blackhawk 6" Statin Chrome Blackhawk Adjustable Wr by Blackhawk Adjustable - Wrenches Tool Type: Adjustable Wrench Overall Length: 6 Opening Size: 15/16 Finish/Coating: Matt Chrome |
 |
Statin Boy & Cholesterol Kid by Today's Icons Wall sculpture depicting modern day icons, cholsterol and its antidote Statin pill, ready for hanging! |
 |
Statin' My Case Run With the Kittens (Primary Contributor) |
| © 2009 BrightSurf.com |