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Statins: Benefits questionable in low-risk patients

A new Cochrane Systematic Review questions the benefits of statins in people with no previous history of heart disease. Statin use should be prescribed with caution in those at low risk of cardiovascular disease, as the absolute numbers of people who benefit are lower.

SourceWiley·JournalCochrane Database of Systematic Reviews·DateJan 18, 2011

Wednesday news tips: Nov. 17, 2010

A new study found that ICD patients often do not receive optimal medical therapy, while a promising anti-arrhythmic agent and mobile phone-based telemonitoring system showed significant improvements in heart rhythm and blood pressure control. The study also revealed no increased risk of cancer associated with statin use.

Stanford-led study disproves link between genetic variant, risk of coronary artery disease

A massive international study found no association between a genetic marker and the risk of coronary artery disease. The study analyzed data from over 17,000 patients with cardiovascular disease and 40,000 others, concluding that carrying a particular variant of the KIF6 gene does not indicate a greater risk for the disease.

SourceStanford Medicine·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateOct 7, 2010

Even the boss doesn't follow the doctor's orders

A study of corporate executives found that only 68% took their cholesterol-lowering medication as prescribed. Executives who took statins were twice as likely to meet their cholesterol goals and achieved better outcomes than those who didn't take the medication, even sporadically.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalPopulation Health Management·DateMar 2, 2010

Cholesterol-lowering drug shows promise against serious infections in sickle cell disease

Statins may protect individuals from serious illness following bacterial infection, including pneumococcal infections that threaten those with sickle cell disease. The cholesterol-lowering drugs employ methods to dampen inflammation and block bacterial toxins, prolonging the lives of mice with sickle cell disease.

SourceSt. Jude Children's Research Hospital·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJan 19, 2010

New use for statins in children with sickle cell disease?

Researchers identified statins as a potential new use for treating sickle cell disease in children, finding they reduced bacterial invasion and prevented cell death. The study suggests that prophylactic treatment with statins may reduce the risk of invasive pneumococcal infections in these patients.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJan 19, 2010

JCI online early table of contents: January 19, 2009

A team of researchers has identified a potential mechanism by which the tobacco-specific carcinogen NNK promotes lung tumor formation. They also found that statins may protect against invasive pneumococcal infections in children with sickle cell disease. Additionally, a new oncogenic protein called Nlp was discovered to be expressed at...

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJan 19, 2010

Statins show dramatic drug and cell dependent effects in the brain

A recent study found that statins can have profoundly different effects on brain cells, including benefits in reducing cholesterol transporter expression but potential risks in increasing Alzheimer's disease-related proteins. The findings highlight the importance of personalized treatment approaches for individuals taking statin therapy.

SourceAmerican Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology·JournalJournal of Lipid Research·DateOct 28, 2009

Embargoed news from Annals of Internal Medicine

Researchers found that a Mediterranean-style diet was more effective in managing type 2 diabetes than a low-fat diet, with patients on the Mediterranean diet requiring less medication and experiencing greater weight loss. Additionally, retail clinics were shown to provide quality care at lower costs compared to urgent care centers and ...

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateAug 31, 2009

One size does not fit all

Researchers at McGill University found that statin therapy can inhibit myelin repair in Multiple Sclerosis patients. The study suggests a negative impact of long-term statin therapy on remyelination and oligodendrocyte number.

SourceMcGill University·JournalAmerican Journal Of Pathology·DateMay 25, 2009