Statin Side Effects Investigated

Anyone with high cholesterol knows that in order to bring that cholesterol level down it takes some very strict dieting and lifestyle changes, changes that many people are incapable of maintaining over a long period of time. Statins are a kind of drug that help to reduce cholesterol levels without putting undue strain on the body.

However, like any kind of drug, there are some side effects, and a new study conducted by scientists at the Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (BIDMC) has discovered why muscle pain is sometimes associated with these drugs. Muscle pain and weakness can sometimes, in rare instances, escalate into very serious side effects, sometimes even threatening the life of the patient.

Apparently, this is caused because the Statins can trigger a gene called atrogin-1. It is responsible for muscle atrophy. Atrophy can be stimulated by lack of exercise, or common diseases, like AIDS. It is reduced when the gene is not present or activated.

The study took samples of muscle tissue from various groups, some who were on Statins and some who were not on Statins. A comparison revealed that those on Statins had higher levels of the gene atrogin-1. Next, scientists studied cultured muscle tissue and got similar results. The muscle that did not have the gene activated interacted quite well with Statins, but muscle with the gene deteriorated.

Finally, zebra fish were studied and it was discovered that, similar to in humans, muscles treated with Statins tended to atrophy. In all cases, muscles that are already in an atrophied state disintegrated much more quickly than healthy tissues.

People with high cholesterol who are unable to exercise are well advised to take statin drugs. The risk is relatively low, and doctors should periodically give patients blood tests to make sure that they are doing well on the drugs and to avoid any of the dangers. As with any other ailment, it is better to consult one's physician before making any decisions.

Some people are tempted to try folk remedies, or to try eating gigantic amounts of oatmeal. Americans, however, are notoriously bad at maintaining changes in their diets and many people have turned to Statins as a way to avoid these lifestyle changes. Even if, however, doctors prescribe Statins, they usually also recommend that the patient exercised in change his or her diet.

Scientists hope that they will be able to develop treatments that allow statin users to get the benefits of the drug without the side affects.

Statins, Medical Center