Statins increase the risk of liver damage

This study was published in the Medical Journal of Basrah University Vol: 25, No: 1 2007

Study title and authors:
Comparative Effects of Lovastatin and Simvastatin on Liver Function tests in Hyperlipidaemic Patients
Zena Sattam, Hamad Al-Jubori, Isam Hamo Mahmood
This study can be accessed at: http://www.iasj.net/iasj?func=fulltext&aId=48121

Drug-induced liver damage has become an important public health problem, contributing to more than 50% of acute liver failure cases, and there have been observations of a large number of liver failure cases on statin therapy. 

In liver function tests, liver damage is confirmed with increased levels of bilirubin and the liver enzymes; Alanine transaminase, aspartate aminotransferase and alkaline phosphatase.

This study measured the effects of statins on liver function tests. The study included: 

(i) 53 patients, aged 35-60 years, took simvastatin therapy. The simvastatin dose ranged from 10 to 20mg a day. Duration of treatment ranged from one month to four years. (Simvastatin group).
(ii) 42 patients, aged 38-60, took lovastatin therapy. The lovastatin dose ranged from 10 to 20mg a day. Duration of treatment ranged from one month to three years. (Lovastatin group).
(iii) A control group of 50 subjects, aged 35-58 who did not take statins. (No-statin group).

The study found:
(a) The alanine transaminase levels of the lovastatin group were 113% higher than the no-statin group.
(b) The aspartate aminotransferase levels of the lovastatin group were 90% higher than the no-statin group.
(c) The alkaline phosphatase levels of the lovastatin group were 11% higher than the no-statin group.(d) The bilirubin levels of the lovastatin group were 40% higher than the no-statin group.
(e) The alanine transaminase levels of the high dose (20 mg a day) lovastatin group were 181% higher than the no-statin group.
(f) The aspartate aminotransferase levels of the high dose (20 mg a day) lovastatin group were 151% higher than the no-statin group.
(g) The alkaline phosphatase levels of the high dose (20 mg a day) lovastatin group were 20% higher than the no-statin group.
(h) The bilirubin levels of the high dose (20 mg a day) lovastatin group were 72% higher than the no-statin group.
(i) The alanine transaminase levels of the long term usage (over 12 months) lovastatin group were 333% higher than the no-statin group.
(j) The aspartate aminotransferase levels of the long term usage (over 12 months) lovastatin group were 321% higher than the no-statin group.
(k) The alkaline phosphatase levels of the long term usage (over 12 months) lovastatin group were 24% higher than the no-statin group.
(l) The bilirubin levels of the long term usage (over 12 months) lovastatin group were 145% higher than the no-statin group.
(m) The alanine transaminase levels of the simvastatin group were 103% higher than the no-statin group.
(n) The aspartate aminotransferase levels of the simvastatin group were 60% higher than the no-statin group.
(o) The alkaline phosphatase levels of the simvastatin group were 6% higher than the no-statin group.(p) The bilirubin levels of the simvastatin group were 45% higher than the no-statin group.
(q) The alanine transaminase levels of the high dose (20 mg a day) simvastatin group were 150% higher than the no-statin group.
(r) The aspartate aminotransferase levels of the high dose (20 mg a day) simvastatin group were 102% higher than the no-statin group.
(s) The alkaline phosphatase levels of the high dose (20 mg a day) simvastatin group were 3% higher than the no-statin group.
(t) The bilirubin levels of the high dose (20 mg a day) simvastatin group were 55% higher than the no-statin group.
(u) The alanine transaminase levels of the long term usage (over 12 months) simvastatin group were 255% higher than the no-statin group.
(v) The aspartate aminotransferase levels of the long term usage (over 12 months) simvastatin group were 240% higher than the no-statin group.
(w) The alkaline phosphatase levels of the long term usage (over 12 months) simvastatin group were 3% higher than the no-statin group.
(x) The bilirubin levels of the long term usage (over 12 months) simvastatin group were 83% higher than the no-statin group.

The results from this study revealed significant increases of alanine transaminase, aspartate aminotransferase and bilirubin levels in the lovastatin group compared with the control group and significant increases of alanine transaminase and bilirubin in the simvastatin group when compared with the control group.

The study also revealed that the higher the dose of the statin or the longer the dose of the statin generally correlated with increased levels of the liver enzymes.

Atorvastatin linked to abnormally high calcium levels

This paper was published in the Archives of the Turkish Society of Cardiology 2014 Oct;42(7):662-6

 

Study title and authors:

Can atorvastatin calcium cause asymptomatic hypercalcemia?

Ipekçi SH, Baldane S, Sözen M, Kebapçılar L

Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Selcuk University Faculty of Medicine, Konya, Turkey.

 

This paper can be accessed at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25490303

Hypercalcemia is a condition in which the calcium level in your blood is above normal. Too much calcium in your blood can weaken your bones, create kidney stones, and interfere with the way your heart and brain works.

This paper reports the case of a woman who developed hypercalcemia after starting atorvastatin.

(i) A 52-year-old female was referred to hospital for hypercalcemia.
(ii) She had been taking atorvastatin for 1.5 years.
(iii) Atorvastatin induced hypercalcemia was suspected.
(iii) Exhaustive tests were conducted that ruled out all other causes of hypercalcemia.
(iv) She stopped taking atorvastatin and her calcium levels returned to normal.
(v) She restarted atorvastatin and again her hypercalcemia returned.
(vi) She again stopped taking atorvastatin and her calcium levels returned to normal.

Long-term exposure to statins may be associated with drug-induced lupus erythematosus and other autoimmune disorders

This study was published in the Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology 2007 Jan;21(1):17-24

 

Study title and author:

Lupus erythematosus and other autoimmune diseases related to statin therapy: a systematic review.

Noël B.

Department of Dermatology, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois, Lausanne, Switzerland. bernard.noel@chuv.hospvd.ch

 

This paper can be accessed at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17207162

This paper reviewed the scientific literature concerning statin-induced autoimmune diseases including lupus erythematosus.

The review found:
(a) Statins were associated with various autoimmune diseases such as systemic lupus erythematosus, subacute cutaneous lupus erythematosus, dermatomyositis, polymyositis and lichen planus pemphigoides.
(b) Autoimmune hepatitis was observed in some patients with systemic lupus erythematosus.
(c) The average time of exposure before disease onset was 12 months, with a range from one month to six years.
(d) Aggressive immunosuppressive therapy was required in the majority of cases to aid clinical recovery.
(e) Some patients died despite the immunosuppressive therapy.

Noel concludes: "Long-term exposure to statins may be associated with drug-induced lupus erythematosus and other autoimmune disorders. Fatal cases have been reported despite early drug discontinuation and aggressive systemic immunosuppressive therapy".

Vasectomy is associated with an increased incidence of lethal prostate cancer.

This study was published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology 2014 Jul 7

Study title and authors:
Vasectomy and Risk of Aggressive Prostate Cancer: A 24-Year Follow-Up Study.

Siddiqui MM, Wilson KM, Epstein MM, Rider JR, Martin NE, Stampfer MJ, Giovannucci EL, Mucci LA.
Harvard School of Public Health

This study can be accessed at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25002716

This study investigated the association between vasectomy and prostate cancer risk. The study included 49,405 men, aged 40 to 75 years, who were followed for 24 years.

The study found:
(a) Men who had undergone vasectomy had a 10% increased risk of prostate cancer compared to men who had not had a vasectomy.
(b) Men who had undergone vasectomy had a 22% increased risk of high-grade prostate cancer compared to men who had not had a vasectomy.
(c) Men who had undergone vasectomy had a 19% increased risk of death or distant metastasis compared to men who had not had a vasectomy. (Distant metastasis refers to cancer that has spread from the original tumour to distant organs or distant lymph nodes).

The association between suicidal behavior and low levels of cholesterol in people with schizophrenia.

This study was published in Medical Science Monitor 2014 Aug 21;20:1486-90

 

Study title and authors:

Suicidal behavior in schizophrenia may be related to low lipid levels.

Ainiyet B, Rybakowski JK

Department of Psychiatry, Akerhus Universytetssykehus, Oslo, Norway.

 

This study can be accessed at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25141886

The aim of the study was to investigate the correlation between suicidal behaviour and cholesterol levels in schizophrenia patients admitted to a psychiatric hospital during the three months prior to their admission. The study included 148 (69 males, 79 females) schizophrenia patients with an average age of 32 years, all recently admitted to psychiatric hospital due to acute exacerbation of their mental illness. 

The study found:
(a) Schizophrenic men with suicidal thoughts had 21% lower cholesterol levels than schizophrenic men without suicidal thoughts.
(b) Schizophrenic men who attempted suicide had 27% lower cholesterol levels than schizophrenic men without suicidal thoughts.
(c) Schizophrenic women with suicidal thoughts had 26% lower cholesterol levels than schizophrenic women without suicidal thoughts.
(d) Schizophrenic women who attempted suicide had 31% lower cholesterol levels than schizophrenic women without suicidal thoughts.
(e) Schizophrenic men with suicidal thoughts had 21% lower levels of low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol than schizophrenic men without suicidal thoughts.
(f) Schizophrenic men who attempted suicide had 36% lower levels of low density lipoprotein (LDL)cholesterol than schizophrenic men without suicidal thoughts.
(g) Schizophrenic women with suicidal thoughts had 30% lower levels of low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol than schizophrenic women without suicidal thoughts.
(h) Schizophrenic women who attempted suicide had 35% lower levels of low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol than schizophrenic women without suicidal thoughts.
(i) Schizophrenic men with suicidal thoughts had 37% lower triglyceride levels than schizophrenic men without suicidal thoughts.
(j) Schizophrenic men who attempted suicide had 56% lower triglyceride levels than schizophrenic men without suicidal thoughts.
(k) Schizophrenic women with suicidal thoughts had 40% lower triglyceride levels than schizophrenic women without suicidal thoughts.
(l) Schizophrenic women who attempted suicide had 41% lower triglyceride levels than schizophrenic women without suicidal thoughts.

Ainiyet concluded: "The results of our study add to a growing body of evidence showing the association between suicidal behavior and low levels of total cholesterol in people with schizophrenia. In addition, we found that this association may also apply to low total lipids, and, in most cases, to low LDL cholesterol and triglycerides".

Suicide associated with low cholesterol

This study was published in the Journal of Affective Disorders 2004 Aug;81(2):161-6

 

Study title and authors:

Clinical application of low serum cholesterol as an indicator for suicide risk in major depression.

Kim YK, Myint AM

Department of Psychiatry, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea. yongku@korea.ac.kr

 

This study can be accessed at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15306143

This study explored the relationship between cholesterol levels and suicide risk in patients with depression. The study included 149 major depressive disorder patients admitted to an emergency room following a suicide attempt, 149 non-suicidal depressive controls, and 251 normal controls.

The study found:
(a) Depressed suicidal patients had 21% lower cholesterol levels than the normal subjects.
(b) Depressed non-suicidal patients had 5% lower cholesterol levels than the normal subjects.
(c) In suicide patients, cholesterol levels were 12% lower in violent suicide patients than non-violent suicide patients.

This study suggests that low cholesterol levels are associated with an increased risk of suicide.

Low cholesterol levels linked to mania

This study was published in the Journal of Affective Disorders 2007 Jan;97(1-3):247-51

Study title and authors:
Platelet serotonin and serum lipids in psychotic mania.

Sagud M, Mihaljevic-Peles A, Pivac N, Jakovljevic M, Muck-Seler D.
University Hospital Center Zagreb, Department of Psychiatry, Kispaticeva 12, 10 000 Zagreb, Croatia.

This study can be accessed at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16820211

One of the aims of this study was to determine the relationship between cholesterol levels and mania. The study included 40 male patients with type I bipolar affective disorder, current episode mania (DSM-IV criteria), and in 32 healthy male subjects.

The study found:
(a) The cholesterol levels of the patients with mania were 14% lower than the cholesterol levels of the healthy subjects.
(b) The HDL cholesterol levels of the patients with mania were 7% lower than the HDL cholesterol levels of the healthy subjects.
(c) The LDL cholesterol levels of the patients with mania were 20% lower than the LDL cholesterol levels of the healthy subjects.

The study shows that patients with mania have low levels of cholesterol and LDL cholesterol compared to healthy people.

Low cholesterol levels weaken the heart

This study was published in Circulation Journal 2014 Oct 30

 

Study title and authors:

Low Blood Pressure, Low Serum Cholesterol and Anemia Predict Early Necessity of Ventricular Assist Device Implantation in Patients With Advanced Heart Failure at the Time of Referral From Non-Ventricular Assist Device Institutes.

Fujino T, Kinugawa K, Hatano M, Imamura T, Muraoka H, Minatsuki S, Inaba T, Maki H, Kinoshita O, Nawata K, Yao A, Ono M, Komuro I.

Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, University of Tokyo.

 

This study can be accessed at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25354551

A ventricular assist device (VAD) is a mechanical pump that's used to support heart function and blood flow in people who have weakened hearts. The device takes blood from a lower chamber of the heart and helps pump it to the body and vital organs, just as a healthy heart would.

This study analysed the factors predicting early necessity of a ventricular assist device in patients with advanced heart failure. The study included 46 patients who had a history of hospitalisation for heart failure management.

Regarding cholesterol levels, the study found that patients with cholesterol less than 144 mg/dL (3.7 mmol/L) had a 709% increased risk of early necessity of a ventricular assist device compared to patients with higher cholesterol levels.  

Statins have a significant negative impact on quality-of-life

This study was published in Pharmacotherapy 2009 Jul;29(7):800-11

 

Study title and authors:

Statin-associated adverse cognitive effects: survey results from 171 patients.

Evans MA, Golomb BA.

Department of Medicine, University of California-San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093-0995, USA.

 

This study can be accessed at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19558254

The objective of the study was to characterize the adverse cognitive effects of statins. In the study, a survey was completed by 171 patients (age range 34-86 yrs) who had self-reported memory or other cognitive problems associated with statin therapy.

The study found:
(a) Of 143 patients who reported stopping statin therapy, 128 (90%) reported improvement in cognitive problems, sometimes within days of statin discontinuation.
(b) In some patients, a diagnosis of dementia or Alzheimer's disease reportedly was reversed.
(c) 19 patients whose symptoms improved or resolved after they discontinued statin therapy and who underwent rechallenge with a statin exhibited cognitive problems again (multiple times in some).
(d) Higher potency statins led to higher rates of cognitive-specific adverse drug reaction.
(e) Quality of life was significantly adversely affected.

Evans concludes: "Findings from the survey suggest that cognitive problems associated with statin therapy have variable onset and recovery courses, a clear relation to statin potency, and significant negative impact on quality-of-life".

Statin users have an increased risk of cataract

This study was published in the Journal of the American Medical Association Ophthalmology 2013 Sep 19

Study title and authors:
Association of Statin Use With Cataracts: A Propensity Score-Matched Analysis.

Leuschen J, Mortensen EM, Frei CR, Mansi EA, Panday V, Mansi I.
Wilford Hall Ambulatory Surgery Center, San Antonio, Texas2San Antonio Military Medical Center, San Antonio, Texas.

This study can be accessed at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24052188

The objective of the study was to compare the risks for development of cataracts between statin users and nonusers. The study included 6,972 statin users who were compared with 6,972 nonusers.

The study found:
(a) The risk for cataract was 9% higher among statin users in comparison with nonusers.
(b) In patients with no comorbidities according to the Charlson Comorbidity Index, (the Charlson comorbidity index predicts the ten-year mortality for a patient who may have a range of comorbid conditions, such as heart disease, AIDS, or cancer a total of 22 conditions), the risk for cataract was 27% higher among statin users in comparison with nonusers.

Leuschen concludes: "The risk for cataract is increased among statin users as compared with nonusers".

Statin users have a 26% increased risk of liver function test abnormalities

This study was published in Pharmacotherapy 2004 May;24(5):584-91

 

Study title and authors:

Statins and liver toxicity: a meta-analysis.

de Denus S, Spinler SA, Miller K, Peterson AM.

Philadelphia College of Pharmacy, University of the Sciences in Philadelphia, PA 19103-4495, USA.

 

This study can be accessed at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15162892

Liver function tests measure various chemicals in the blood made by the liver. An abnormal result indicates the presence of liver disease.

The objective of the study was to assess the risk of liver function test abnormalities with the use of statins. The study was a meta-analysis of 13 randomized, placebo-controlled trials of statins including 49,275 patients.

The study found that statin users had a 26% increased risk of liver function test abnormalities compared to non users.

Statins increase the risk of delirium by 52% after cardiac operations

This study was published in the Annals of Thoracic Surgery 2012 May;93(5):1439-47

Study title and authors:
Preoperative statin therapy is not associated with a decrease in the incidence of delirium after cardiac operations.

Mariscalco G, Cottini M, Zanobini M, Salis S, Dominici C, Banach M, Onorati F, Piffaretti G, Covaia G, Realini M, Beghi C.
Department of Surgical and Morphological Sciences, Cardiac Surgery Unit, Varese University Hospital, University of Insubria, Varese, Italy. giovannimariscalco@yahoo.it

This study can be accessed at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22541176

This study investigated the association between preoperative statins with the incidence of postoperative delirium in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting. The study included 1,577 patients receiving preoperative statins who were matched with a control group of 1,577 not receiving statins.

The study found patients receiving preoperative statins had a 52% increased risk of postoperative delirium compared to patients not taking statins.

After six months of taking statins, over 20% of people develop muscle pain

This study was published in Arquivos Brasileiros de Cardiologia 2014 Jul;103(1):33-40

 

Study title and authors:

Evaluation of sexual dimorphism in the efficacy and safety of simvastatin/atorvastatin therapy in a southern brazilian cohort.

Smiderle L, Lima LO, Hutz MH, Sand CR, Van der Sand LC, Ferreira ME, Pires RC, Almeida S, Fiegenbaum M.

Universidade Federal de Ciências da Saúde de Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil.

 

This study can be accessed at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25120083

This study evaluated the effects of simvastatin/atorvastatin on men and women. The six month study included 495 patients, aged 25-82 years, (331 women and 164 men), who received simvastatin/atorvastatin.

When high levels of creatine phosphokinase are detected in the blood, it is considered to be an abnormal result. High levels of the enzyme may occur due to the following conditions:

• heart attack
• pericarditis after a heart attack
• polymyositis or dermamyositis
• heart muscle inflammation
• myopathy (a disease of the muscles)
• rhabdomyolysis (a breakdown of muscle tissues)
• muscular dystrophies
• convulsions
• stroke
• brain injury
• delirium tremens
• hypothyroidism (a decrease in the activity of the thyroid gland) or hyperthyroidism (an increase in activity of the thyroid gland)
• death of lung tissue

After six months the study found:
(a) 20.3% of the patients developed muscle pain.
(b) 11.1% of the patients had increased creatine phosphokinase levels and/or abnormal liver function.

Review finds unprocessed red meats are one of the best sources of high quality protein and make important contributions to nutrient intakes

This paper was published in Meat Science 2014 Nov;98(3):445-51

Study title and authors:
Red meats: Time for a paradigm shift in dietary advice.

Binnie MA, Barlow K, Johnson V, Harrison C.
Canadian Pork Council, 1962 Faircloth Road, London, Ontario N6G 5J3, Canada. Electronic address: binnie@cpc-ccp.com.

This paper can be accessed at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25041653

Also http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0309174014001922

Binnie notes that a growing body of research suggests dietary advice to limit red meat is unnecessarily restrictive and not supported by current evidence.

This review found:
(i) Large population studies both in Europe and North America have recently reported no association between intakes of unprocessed red meat and any cause of death, including cardiovascular disease or cancer.
(ii) This is consistent with the findings of the largest meta-analyses of the worldwide evidence showing no association between unprocessed red meat and coronary heart disease.
(iii) Recommendations to limit red meat intakes date back several decades and were originally intended to reduce saturated fat intakes. Recent meta-analyses have concluded that there is no clear evidence to support decades of dietary guidelines to cut saturated fat intake.
(iv) Meanwhile such guidance may have inadvertently contributed to dietary changes associated with the rapid rise in the prevalence of obesity since the 1970s as well as other risk factors for heart disease.
(v) A decline in energy from nutrient-rich foods such as beef, milk and eggs has been accompanied by an excessive increase in energy from fats (including trans fats) and refined carbohydrates found in many processed convenience foods. The resulting energy gap has likely contributed to obesity and chronic disease.
(vi) The European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition (EPIC) followed close to half a million people in 10 European countries for more than 12 years. The EPIC study found no significant association between unprocessed red meat intakes and all-cause mortality or death due to CVD, cancer or other causes. Furthermore, a higher risk of all-cause mortality was observed among participants with very low or no red meat consumption.
(vii) A recent analysis of data from the United States National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) concluded that meat consumption was not associated with mortality. Researchers reported no significant association between red meat intake including beef, pork, ham, and organ meats and total mortality or cause-specific mortality due to cardiovascular disease or cancer. Those who ate red meat more often tended to have lower body mass index and a smaller waist circumference. Furthermore, those who ate red meat more often were less likely to have hypertension than those who ate red meat less often.
(viii) In addition to high quality protein, red meat contains important essential micronutrients including, iron, zinc, selenium, potassium and a range of B-vitamins including niacin, riboflavin, thiamin and vitamins B₆ and B₁₂.
(ix) The iron and zinc found in red meats is more bioavailable than in alternative food sources, and red meat can enhance the absorption of these important minerals. Iron plays vital roles in children's early cognitive development, normal energy metabolism and the immune system. Zinc is essential for a healthy immune system, wound healing and for children's normal growth and reproductive development.
(x) Red meats also contain useful amounts of the minerals selenium and potassium. Selenium acts as an antioxidant and is necessary for immune system function. Potassium plays an important role in blood pressure regulation.
(xi) Red meats also provide a range of B-vitamins including thiamin, niacin, riboflavin, pantothenic acid, and vitamins B₆ and B₁₂. B-vitamins play important roles in the functioning of the nervous system and in releasing energy from foods.
(xii) Recent evidence also challenges decades of advice to limit naturally nutrient-rich foods such as red meats in efforts to reduce saturated fat intake. According to a 2014 review and meta-analysis, current evidence does not support decades of dietary guidelines that encourage low consumption of saturated fat to promote heart health. This review takes into account evidence from 45 observational studies and 27 randomised controlled trials on coronary heart disease risks based on dietary data from more than 600,000 people in Europe, North America and Asia.
(xiii) An earlier meta-analysis of prospective cohort studies also concluded that saturated fat was not associated with an increased risk of coronary heart disease. In another review of evidence-based dietary guidance on saturated fat and cardiovascular disease, the authors concluded that dietary recommendations did not reflect the evidence.
(xiv) Energy intakes from processed foods have increased dramatically at the expense of nutrient-rich foods, such as red meat. Research suggests processed foods are associated with the growing burden of obesity and associated diseases in recent decades.

Binnie concludes: "Unprocessed red meats are one of the best sources of high quality protein and make important contributions to nutrient intakes. It is time for dietary advice that emphasizes the value of unprocessed red meat as part of a healthy balanced diet".

Low cholesterol levels predict high death rates in the very elderly

This study was published in Clinical Interventions in Aging 2014 Feb 13;9:293-300

Study title and authors:
Serum total cholesterol concentration and 10-year mortality in an 85-year-old population.

Takata Y, Ansai T, Soh I, Awano S, Nakamichi I, Akifusa S, Goto K, Yoshida A, Fujii H, Fujisawa R, Sonoki K
Division of General Internal Medicine, School of Oral Health Science, Kyushu Dental College, Kitakyushu, Japan.

This study can be accessed at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24611005

This study evaluated the effect of cholesterol levels with death rates in the very elderly. The study included 207 very elderly (85-year-old) participants who were followed for ten years. The participants were allocated into three groups:
(i) High cholesterol: more than 209 mg/dL (5.4 mmol/L)
(ii) Intermediate cholesterol: between 176-208 mg/dL (4.5-5.3 mmol/L)
(iii) Low cholesterol: less than 175 mg/dL (4.5 mmol/L)

The study found:
(a) The group with the lowest cholesterol levels had a 72% higher death rate compared to the group with the highest cholesterol.
(b) Death rates decreased by 0.9% with each 1 mg/dL increase in cholesterol levels.
(c) Death rates decreased by 0.8% with each 1 mg/dL increase in low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels.
(d) Death rates decreased by 1.0% with each 1 mg/dL increase in high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol levels.
(e) Death rates decreased by 0.3% with each 1 mg/dL increase in triglyceride levels.

Takata concluded: "These findings suggest that low TC (total cholesterol) and low LDL-C may be independent predictors of high mortality in the very elderly".

Statins increase the risk of suicidal thoughts by 159%

This study was published in Crisis 2014 Jan 1;35(4):278-82

Study title and authors:
Lipophilic statin use and suicidal ideation in a sample of adults with mood disorders.

Davison KM, Kaplan BJ.
School of Nursing, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada Health Science Program, Kwantlen Polytechnic University, Surrey, BC, Canada

This study can be accessed at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25113893

This study investigated the association between statins and suicidal ideation (suicidal thoughts) in adults with mood disorders. The study included 97 patients, aged over 18 years.

The study found those taking statins had a 159% increased prevalence of suicidal ideation compared to those not taking statins.

Statins increase the risk of Bell's palsy by 47%

This study was published in Drug Safety 2014 Jul 31

 

Study title and authors:

Association Between Statin Use and Bell's Palsy: A Population-Based Study

Hung SH, Wang LH, Lin HC, Chung SD.

Department of Otolaryngology, Taipei Medical University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.

 

This study can be accessed at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25079142

This study aimed to evaluate the association between statin use and Bell's palsy. This case-control study identified 1,977 subjects with Bell's palsy as cases and 5,931 sex- and age-matched subjects without Bell's palsy.

The study found that statin users had a 47% increased risk of Bell's palsy compared to non-users.

The association between statins and thyroid cancer

This study was published in Clinical Endocrinology (Oxf) 2014 Jul 30

 

Study title and authors:

Statin Use and Thyroid Cancer: A Population-Based Case-Control Study.

Hung SH, Lin HC, Chung SD.

Department of Otolaryngology, Taipei Medical University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.

 

This study can be accessed at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25074346

This study aimed to evaluate the association of statin use with thyroid cancer. The study included 500 subjects with thyroid cancer as cases and 2,500 gender- and age-matched subjects without thyroid cancer as controls.

The study found:
(a) Women who used statins had a 43% increased risk of thyroid cancer compared to women not taking statins.
(b) Men who used statins had a 28% increased risk of thyroid cancer compared to men not taking statins.

Statins with pomegranate juice may increase the risk of rhabdomyolysis

This study was published in the American Journal of Cardiology 2006 Sep 1;98(5):705-6

Study title and authors:
Rhabdomyolysis associated with pomegranate juice consumption.

Sorokin AV, Duncan B, Panetta R, Thompson PD.
Section of Preventive Cardiology, Division of Cardiology, Henry Low Heart Center, Hartford Hospital, Hartford, Connecticut, USA.

This paper can be accessed at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16923466

This paper reports the case of a man who developed rhabdomyolysis after drinking pomegranate juice while taking statins.

(i) A 48-year-old man had been taking ezetimibe and rosuvastatin for 17 months.
(ii) Three weeks before admission to hospital, he began drinking pomegranate juice (200 ml twice weekly).
(iii) On admission he had thigh pain and elevated serum creatine kinase level (138,030 U/L, normal is less than 200 U/L) and was diagnosed with rhabdomyolysis.

Sorokin concludes: "This report suggests that pomegranate juice may increase the risk of rhabdomyolysis during rosuvastatin treatment".

Statin use is associated with an increased risk of type two diabetes, which increases with longer duration of use

This study was published in BMC Cardiovascular Disorders 2014 Jul 15;14(1):85

 

Study title and authors:

Statins and the risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus: cohort study using the UK clinical practice pesearch datalink.

Macedo AF, Douglas I, Smeeth L, Forbes H, Ebrahim S.

 

This study can be accessed at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25022519

This study aimed to assess the effect of statins on type two diabetes development. The study comprised of 2,016,094 individuals, including 430,890 people who received a statin, matched to 1,585,204 people not prescribed a statin.

The study found:
(a) Statin users had a 57% increased risk of developing diabetes compared to non-users.
(b) The risk of developing diabetes increased with longer duration of statin use:
(b1) Those who were followed for one to three years had a 22% increased risk of diabetes.
(b2) Those who were followed for 15 to 20 years had a 263% increased risk of diabetes.

Macedo concluded: "Statin use is associated with an increased risk of T2DM (type two diabetes), which increases with longer duration of use".

Low cholesterol is associated with acute liver failure

This study was published in PLoS One 2014 Jul 15;9(7):e102351

 

Study title and authors:

Low levels of blood lipids are associated with etiology and lethal outcome in acute liver failure.

Manka P, Olliges V, Bechmann LP, Schlattjan M, Jochum C, Treckmann JW, Saner FH, Gerken G, Syn WK, Canbay A.

Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Hospital, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany

 

This study can be accessed at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25025159

This study investigated the association between cholesterol levels with acute liver failure. The study included 89 acute liver failure patients.

The study found:
(a) The acute liver failure patients had low cholesterol, 121 mg/dL (3.1 mmol/L).
(b) The acute liver failure patients had low levels of low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, 63 mg/dL (1.6 mmol/L). 
(c) The acute liver failure patients had low levels of high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, 16 mg/dL (0.4 mmol/L).
(d) Cholesterol levels were a significant 41% lower in patients who died or required a liver transplant compared to patients who spontaneously recovered.
(e) LDL cholesterol levels were a significant 45% lower in patients who died or required a liver transplant compared to patients who spontaneously recovered.
(f) HDL cholesterol levels were a significant 61% lower in patients who died or required a liver transplant compared to patients who spontaneously recovered.
(g) Triglyceride levels were a significant 13% lower in patients who died or required a liver transplant compared to patients who spontaneously recovered.

The study reveals that low cholesterol is associated with acute liver failure.

Statins significantly increase sperm abnormalities

This study was published in Reproductive Biology and Endocrinology 2014 Jul 12;12(1):65

Study title and authors:
Evaluation of atorvastatin efficacy and toxicity on spermatozoa, accessory glands and gonadal hormones of healthy men: a pilot prospective clinical trial.

Pons-Rejraji H, Brugnon F, Sion B, Maqdasy S, Gouby G, Pereira B, Marceau G, Gremeau AS, Drevet J, Grizard G, Janny L, Tauveron I.

This study can be accessed at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25016482

This study investigated the effect of statins on male fertility. In the study semen parameters were measured in 17 healthy young men (average age 24 years) who were given atorvastatin for five months.

The study found:
(a) Semen volume decreased by 10%.
(b) Sperm concentration decreased by 25%.
(c) The number of sperm decreased by 31%.
(d) The vitality of the sperm decreased by 9.5%
(e) Sperm head abnormalities increased by 11%.
(f) Sperm neck and midpiece abnormalities increased by 33%.
(g) Sperm tail abnormalities increased by 4.5%.
(h) Excess residual cytoplasm (which can impair overall sperm function and produce higher levels of reactive oxygen species, potentially leading to male infertility) increased by 68%.

Pons-Rejraji concluded that atorvastatin: "affected significantly sperm parameters of young and healthy men and was considered as deleterious... in view of our results in this young population, it may be considered that the effects could be more pronounced among older men specifically if less healthy".

19 year study shows that the risk of death decreases as saturated fat consumption increases

This study was published in Nutrition and Metabolism 2014 Mar 6;11(1):12

 

Study title and authors:

Dietary intakes of fat and total mortality among Japanese populations with a low fat intake: the Japan Collaborative Cohort (JACC) Study.

Wakai K, Naito M, Date C, Iso H, Tamakoshi A; JACC Study Group.

Department of Preventive Medicine, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, 65 Tsurumai-cho, Showa-ku, Nagoya, Aichi 466-8550, Japan. wakai@med.nagoya-u.ac.jp.

 

This study can be accessed at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24597664

This study aimed to elucidate associations between dietary fat and total mortality. The study included 58,672 men and women, aged 40 to 79 years, who were followed for 19.3 years.

Regarding saturated fat, the study found:
(a) Men who consumed the highest amounts of saturated fat had a 2% reduced risk of death from any cause compared to men who consumed the lowest amounts of saturated fat.
(b) Men who consumed the highest amounts of saturated fat had a 7% reduced risk of death from cardiovascular diseases compared to men who consumed the lowest amounts of saturated fat.
(c) Women who consumed the highest amounts of saturated fat had a 9% reduced risk of death from any cause compared to women who consumed the lowest amounts of saturated fat.
(d) Women who consumed the highest amounts of saturated fat had a 1% reduced risk of death from cardiovascular diseases compared to women who consumed the lowest amounts of saturated fat.

Frequent meat consumption lowers the risk of dementia by 77%

This study was published in the British Medical Journal 2002 Oct 26;325(7370):932-3

 

Study title and authors:

Fish, meat, and risk of dementia: cohort study.

Barberger-Gateau P, Letenneur L, Deschamps V, Pérès K, Dartigues JF, Renaud S.

INSERM U330, Université Victor Segalen Bordeaux 2, case n degrees 11, 146 rue Léo-Saignat, 33076 Bordeaux Cedex, France. Pascale.Barberger-Gateau@isped.u-bordeaux2.fr

 

This study can be accessed at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12399342

 

This study investigated the association of fish and meat consumption and the risk of dementia (including Alzheimer's). The study included 1,674 participants, aged 68 years and older, who were followed for seven years.

 

The study found:

(a) Those that consumed fish once a day had a 85% reduced risk of dementia compared to those who never consumed fish.

(b) Those that consumed fish once a day had a 81% reduced risk of Alzheimer's compared to those who never consumed fish.

(c) Those that consumed meat once a day had a 77% reduced risk of dementia compared to those who never consumed meat.

(d) Those that consumed meat once a day had a 72% reduced risk of Alzheimer's compared to those who never consumed meat.

The risk of diabetes rises as adherence with statin therapy increases

This study was published in Diabetes Care 2014 Jun 26. pii: DC_132215

Study title and authors:
Statins and the Risk of Diabetes: Evidence From a Large Population-Based Cohort Study.

Corrao G, Ibrahim B, Nicotra F, Soranna D, Merlino L, Catapano AL, Tragni E, Casula M, Grassi G, Mancia G.
Department of Statistics and Quantitative Methods, Division of Biostatistics, Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy giovanni.corrao@unimib.it.

This study can be accessed at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24969582

The objective of the study was to investigate the relationship between adherence with statin therapy and the risk of developing diabetes. The seven year study included 115,709 patients who were newly treated with statins. Adherence was measured by the proportion of days covered with statins.

The study found: 
(a) Compared with patients with very-low adherence (proportion of days covered less then 25%) those with low adherence (proportion of days covered 26-50%) had a 12% increased risk of developing diabetes.
(b) Compared with patients with very-low adherence (proportion of days covered less then 25%) those with intermediate adherence (proportion of days covered 51-75%) had a 22% increased risk of developing diabetes.
(b) Compared with patients with very-low adherence (proportion of days covered less then 25%) those with high adherence (proportion of days covered more than 75%) had a 32% increased risk of developing diabetes.

Corrao concluded: "In a real-world setting, the risk of new-onset diabetes rises as adherence with statin therapy increases".

Statin users have a 13% increased incidence of common infections

This study was published in the American Journal of the Medical Sciences 2014 Mar;347(3):211-6

Study title and authors:
The effect of statin therapy on the incidence of infections: a retrospective cohort analysis.

Magulick JP, Frei CR, Ali SK, Mortensen EM, Pugh MJ, Oramasionwu CU, Daniels KR, Mansi IA.
Department of Internal Medicine (JPM, SKA), San Antonio Military Medical Center, San Antonio, Texas

This study can be accessed at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23426088

The objective of the study was to compare the incidence of infections in statin users to that in nonusers. The six year study included 45,247 subjects.

The study found that statin users had a 13% increased incidence of common infections compared to nonusers.

TIME magazine article says butter and saturated fat is good for you!

This is the headline in the latest TIME magazine by Bryan Walsh. The medical reporter on the Today show said butter, chicken skin or any type of saturated fat is good. She explained that saturated fats raise levels of benign large fluffy LDL cholesterol, and that refined carbohydrates raise levels of the dangerous small dense LDL cholesterol.

Bryan may have read the scientific evidence in my book: "Cholesterol and Saturated Fat Prevent Heart Disease"

Statin use increases the risk of osteoarthritis and joint pain by 26%

This study was published in the American Journal of Medical Sciences 2013 May;345(5):343-8

 

Study title and authors:

Incidence of musculoskeletal and neoplastic diseases in patients on statin therapy: results of a retrospective cohort analysis.

Mansi IA, Mortensen EM, Pugh MJ, Wegner M, Frei CR.

Brooke Army Medical Center, Department of Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, Texas 78234-6200, USA. Iishak.mansi@us.army.mil

 

This study can be accessed at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22975580

This study was conducted to investigate the incidence of various musculoskeletal diseases in statin users and nonusers. The study included 12,980 statin users and 45,997 nonusers who were followed for four years.

The study found:
(a) Statin users had a 26% increased risk of osteoarthritis and arthropathy (joint pain) compared to non-users.
(b) Statin users had a 20% increased risk of dorsopathies (back or spinal pain), rheumatism (joint and connective tissue problems) and chondropathies (cartilage disease) compared to non-users.

Men with low cholesterol, 140 mg/dL (3.6 mmol/L), have a higher risk of death compared to men with higher cholesterol of 250mg/dL (6.5 mmol/L)

This study was published in the Lancet 1986 Oct 25;2(8513):933-6

Study title and authors:
Serum cholesterol, blood pressure, and mortality: implications from a cohort of 361,662 men.

Martin MJ, Hulley SB, Browner WS, Kuller LH, Wentworth D.

This study can be accessed at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/2877128

The study determined the effects of cholesterol levels in middle-aged men. The study lasted six years and included 361,662 men aged 35-57.

The study found that men with cholesterol levels of ~140 mg/dL (3.6 mmol/L) had a ~14% increased risk of death compared to men with cholesterol levels of ~250 mg/dL (6.5 mmol/L).

Despite the fact the study revealed men with lower cholesterol levels had higher death rates, this study was used as evidence in the first report of The National Cholesterol Education Program in 1988 to lower the upper limit of normal cholesterol levels from 250mg/dL (6.5 mmol/L) to 200mg/dL (5.2 mmol/L).

One third of all statin users report side effects

This study was published in the Journal of Clinical Lipidology 2012 May-Jun;6(3):208-15

 

Study title and authors:

Understanding Statin Use in America and Gaps in Patient Education (USAGE): an internet-based survey of 10,138 current and former statin users.

Cohen JD, Brinton EA, Ito MK, Jacobson TA.

St. Louis University School of Medicine, 8138 Westmoreland Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63105, USA. cohenjd@swbell.net

 

This study can be accessed at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22658145

This study assessed the effects of statins on current and former users. The study included 10,138 participants, average age 61 years.

The study found:
(a) 28% of current statin users reported side effects.
(b) 33% of all statin users reported side effects.
(c) 65% of former statin users reported side effects.
(d) 62% of former statin users stopped taking statins because of the side effects.

Statins worsen heart function in 71% of patients

This study was published in the American Journal of Cardiology 2004 Nov 15;94(10):1306-10

 

Study title and authors:

Effect of atorvastatin on left ventricular diastolic function and ability of coenzyme Q10 to reverse that dysfunction.

Silver MA, Langsjoen PH, Szabo S, Patil H, Zelinger A.

Heart Failure Institute, Department of Medicine, Advocate Christ Medical Center, University of Illinois/Christ Cardiovascular Disease Fellowship Program, Oak Lawn, Illinois 60453, USA. marc.silver@advocatehealth.com

 

This study can be accessed at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15541254

This study evaluated left ventricular diastolic function before and after statin therapy. The study included 14 patients (who met the National cholesterol Education Program's recommendations for initiating pharmacologic therapy), aged 51 - 79 years, who completed three to six months on atorvastatin.

The study found that 71% of the patients had worsening of left ventricular diastolic function after taking statins.

Dr Silver concluded: "For more than a decade, there has been a suggestion of impairment of diastolic function after the administration of statins, and our findings suggest that this may be a common event and potentially a precursor to symptoms associated with ventricular dysfunction".

Low cholesterol increases the risk of death by 75% after a heart attack

This study was published in the European Heart Journal 2001 Nov;22(22):2085-103

 

Study title and authors:

Assessment of absolute risk of death after myocardial infarction by use of multiple-risk-factor assessment equations: GISSI-Prevenzione mortality risk chart.

Marchioli R, Avanzini F, Barzi F, Chieffo C, Di Castelnuovo A, Franzosi MG, Geraci E, Maggioni AP, Marfisi RM, Mininni N, Nicolosi GL, Santini M, Schweiger C, Tavazzi L, Tognoni G, Valagussa F; GISSI-Prevenzione Investigators.

Gruppo Italiano per lo Studio della Sopravvivenza nell'Infarto miocardico (GISSI), Associazione Nazionale Medici Cardiologi Ospedalieri (ANMCO), Italy.

 

This study can be accessed at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11686666

This study investigated the risk factors for death in patients after they had suffered a heart attack. The study included 11,324 men and women from the GISSI-Prevenzione trial who were followed for four years.

Regarding cholesterol levels, the study found that those with the lowest cholesterol, under 190 mg/dL (4.91 mmol/L), had a 75% increased risk of death compared to those with the highest cholesterol, over 245 mg/dL (6.3 mmol/L).

Possible mechanisms of how statins cause diabetes

This paper was published in Metabolism 2014 Feb 25

Study title and authors:
Statin treatment and new-onset diabetes: A review of proposed mechanisms.

Brault M, Ray J, Gomez YH, Mantzoros CS, Daskalopoulou SS
Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.

This paper can be accessed at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24641882

Brault notes that new-onset diabetes has been observed in clinical trials and meta-analyses involving statin therapy. Brault discusses the mechanisms that may be involved between statins and diabetes.

(a) Statins affect insulin secretion through direct, indirect or combined effects on calcium channels in pancreatic β-cells.
(b) Statins reduce the expression of glucose transporter 4 (GLUT 4). GLUT 4 is a protein that transports glucose from the bloodstream into cells. Reduced GLUT 4 in response to statins results in hyperglycemia (high blood sugar) and hyperinsulinemia (excess levels of insulin in the blood).
(c) Statin therapy decreases other important molecules such as coenzyme Q10, farnesyl pyrophosphate, geranylgeranyl pyrophosphate, and dolichol; their depletion leads to reduced intracellular signaling.
(d) Statins interference with intracellular insulin signaling pathways via inhibition of necessary phosphorylation events (phosphorylation influences protein enzymes) and reduction of small GTPase action (GTPases are key proteins in many critical biological processes such as hormonal and sensory signals, and the protein building ribosomes). 
(e) Statins can decrease levels of peroxisome proliferator activated receptor gamma and CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein which regulate glucose levels.
(f) Statins may also diminish levels of leptin and adiponectin which also play a role in regulating glucose levels.

Statins use is associated with increased HbA1c levels in patients with high blood pressure

This study was published in Diabetology and Metabolic Syndrome 2014 Apr 23;6:53

Study title and authors:
Statins use is associated with poorer glycaemic control in a cohort of hypertensive patients with diabetes and without diabetes.

Liew SM, Lee PY, Hanafi NS, Ng CJ, Wong SS, Chia YC, Lai PS, Zaidi NF, Khoo EM
Department of Primary Care Medicine, University of Malaya Primary Care Research Group (UMPCRG), Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

This study can be accessed at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24782916

This study sought to determine the association between the use of statins and glycaemic control in patients with high blood pressure. The study included 1,060 patients.

The study found:
(a) Analysis of the whole group found that statin users had 29% higher HbA1c levels than statin non users.
(b) Analysis of those with diabetes found that statin users had 20.8% higher HbA1c levels than statin non users.

Liew concluded: "Statins use is associated with increased HbA1c levels among hypertensive patients and hypertensive patients with diabetes".

Professor concludes that results from statin trials may be considerably flawed

This paper was published in the British Medical Journal 2 May 2014

Study title and author:
Meta-analysis of side effects of statins shows need for trial transparency
Joan-Ramon Laporte
Professor of Clinical Pharmacology Montserrat Bosch

Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, P Vall d'Hebron 129-139 08035 Barcelona

This paper can be accessed at: http://www.bmj.com/content/348/bmj.g2940/rr/696651

This article, authored by Professor Joan-Ramon Laporte from the Autonomous University of Barcelona noted the exclusions in statin clinical trials.

Professor Laporte found:
(a) In the HPS (Heart Protection Study), 32,145 patients with the inclusion criteria participated in a run in phase, but 11,609 (36%) were excluded because of lack of effect on cholesterol, increase in liver enzymes, increase in CPK, or increase of creatinine, or also because "the patient had little probability of complying with the treatment during 5 years".
(b) In the MEGA trial (Management of Elevated Cholesterol in the Primary Prevention Group of Adult Japanese), 15,210 patients entered a 4-week run in phase, but 7,201 (48%) were excluded for similar reasons, and only 8,009 finally participated in the trial.
(c) In the JUPITER trial (Justification for the Use of Statins in Prevention: an Intervention Trial Evaluating Rosuvastatin), 89,890 were initially screened, but 78% were excluded for unclear reasons, and only 19,323 were considered for randomisation. Then, an additional 1,521 were excluded during a run in phase because of poor treatment adherence, and only 17,802 patients (19.8%) were finally randomised.

Professor Laporte concluded that in view of these massive exclusions, the data from these trials may be considerably flawed and lacked validity, and that no conclusions could be drawn from the results of the trials.

Low cholesterol levels associated with higher death rates in critically ill patients

This study was published in Shock 2014 Apr 10

 

Study title and authors:

Cholesterol Rather Than PCT or CRP Predicts Mortality in Patients With Infection.

Biller K, Fae P, Germann R, Drexel H, Walli AK, Fraunberger P.

Medical Central Laboratories, Feldkirch, Austria

 

This study can be accessed at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24727873

This study investigated the association between various factors and survival levels in critically ill patients admitted to an intensive care unit. The study included 76 patients.

Regarding cholesterol levels, the study found non survivors had significantly lower cholesterol levels compared to survivors.

Biller concluded: "Our data show, that low cholesterol levels in patients with infectious disease have a prognostic value and may be useful markers to identify high risk patients already at admission".

The risk of statins for contracting norovirus disease may have considerable consequences for the Western world

This study was published in Epidemiology and Infection 2011 Mar;139(3):453-63

 

Study title and authors:

Norovirus disease associated with excess mortality and use of statins: a retrospective cohort study of an outbreak following a pilgrimage to Lourdes.

Rondy M, Koopmans M, Rotsaert C, Van Loon T, Beljaars B, Van Dijk G, Siebenga J, Svraka S, Rossen JW, Teunis P, Van Pelt W, Verhoef L.

National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Center for Infectious Diseases Control, Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit, Bilthoven, The Netherlands. marc.rondy@rivm.nl

 

This study can be accessed at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20492742

Noroviruses are a group of viruses that can cause gastroenteritis. Gastroenteritis is an infection of the gut (intestines) which usually causes vomiting and diarrhoea.

This study examined the association of statins with norovirus. The study examined a group of psychiatric patients returning from Lourdes (France).

The study found:
(a) Statin users had a 290% increased risk of contracting norovirus compared to non-users.
(b) Death rates were 1990% higher in patients infected with norovirus.

The lead author of the study Dr Marc Rondy concluded: "The newly identified risk of statins for contracting norovirus disease may have considerable consequences for the Western world"

94% of physicians have a financial relationship with the pharmaceutical industry. Could this affect their judgement when prescribing drugs?

This study was published in the New England Journal of Medicine 2007 Apr 26;356(17):1742-50

 

Study title and authors:

A national survey of physician-industry relationships.

Campbell EG, Gruen RL, Mountford J, Miller LG, Cleary PD, Blumenthal D.

Institute for Health Policy, Massachusetts General Hospital-Partners Health Care System and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA. ecampbell@partners.org

 

This study can be accessed at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17460228

This study investigated the financial associations of physicians with the pharmaceutical and other medically related industries. The study included 3,167 physicians.

The study found:
(a) 83% of physicians received gifts from the pharmaceutical industry (including food and beverages in the workplace and tickets to cultural and sporting events).
(b) 78% of physicians received drug samples from the pharmaceutical industry.
(c) 35% of physicians received reimbursement for costs associated with professional meetings or continuing medical education from the pharmaceutical industry.
(d) 28% of physicians received payments for consulting, giving lectures, or enrolling patients in trials from the pharmaceutical industry.
(e) Overall, 94% of physicians reported some type of relationship with the pharmaceutical industry.

Most physicians (94%) reported some type of relationship with the pharmaceutical industry.

Could this affect their judgement when they prescribe drugs or give advice?

Vegetarians are less healthy (in terms of cancer, allergies, and mental health disorders), have a lower quality of life, and also require more medical treatment

This study was published in PLoS One 2014 Feb 7;9(2):e88278

Studytitle and authors:
Nutrition and health - the association between eating behavior and various health parameters: a matched sample study.

Burkert NT, Muckenhuber J, Großschädl F, Rásky E, Freidl W.
Institute of Social Medicine and Epidemiology, Medical University Graz, Graz, Austria.

This study can be accessed at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24516625

The aim of the study was to analyse the health effects of different dietary habits. The study included 1,320 subjects who were put into four dietary groups (330 for each form of diet) that reflected the animal fat intake for each dietary habit (i) vegetarian diet, (ii) carnivorous diet rich in fruits and vegetables, (iii) carnivorous diet less rich in meat, (iv) carnivorous diet rich in meat).

The study found:
(a) The vegetarian group had a lower BMI and less frequent alcohol consumption than the carnivorous groups.
(b) Overall, vegetarians were in a poorer state of health compared to the carnivorous groups.
(c) Concerning self-reported health, vegetarians significantly reported poorer health compared to the carnivorous groups.
(d) Vegetarians had higher levels of impairment from disorders compared to the carnivorous groups.
(e) Vegetarians had higher levels of chronic diseases compared to the carnivorous groups.
(f)  Significantly more vegetarians suffered from allergies, cancer, and mental health ailments (anxiety, or depression) than the carnivorous groups.
(g) Vegetarians had a lower quality of life compared to the carnivorous groups. (Concerning physical health, environment, social relationships etc).

Burkert concluded: "Our study has shown that Austrian adults who consume a vegetarian diet are less healthy (in terms of cancer, allergies, and mental health disorders), have a lower quality of life, and also require more medical treatment".

High fat diets recommended for management of type 2 diabetes

This study was published in the British Journal of Nutrition 2014 Mar 25:1-12

 

Study title and authors:

Comparison of the long-term effects of high-fat v. low-fat diet consumption on cardiometabolic risk factors in subjects with abnormal glucose metabolism: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Schwingshackl L, Hoffmann G.

Department of Nutritional Sciences, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Vienna, Althanstreet 14 UZA II, Vienna A-1090, Austria.

 

This study can be accessed at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24666665

The aim of the review and meta-analysis was to examine the long-term (more than 12 months) effects of high-fat v low-fat diet consumption on specific markers of cardiovascular risk in pre-diabetic and diabetic individuals. The analysis included 14 trials and 1,753 subjects.

The study found:
(a) Those on high fat regimens had a significant decrease in triglyceride levels.
(b) Those on high fat regimens had a significant decrease in diastolic blood pressure.
(c) Those on high fat regimens had a significant decrease in fasting glucose levels levels.
(d) Those on high fat regimens had a significant increase in high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol levels.

The high fat diet improved specific markers of cardiovascular risk in pre-diabetic and diabetic individuals.

The lead researcher of the review, Lukas Schwingshackl from the University of Vienna, concluded: "High fat and low fat diets might not be of equal value in the management of either pre-diabetes or type 2 diabetes, leading to emphasis being placed on the recommendations of high fat diets".

Men who die from cancer have lower cholesterol levels

This study was published in the American Journal of Epidemiology 1980 Sep;112(3):388-94

 

Study title and authors:

Total serum cholesterol and cancer mortality in a middle-aged male population.

Cambien F, Ducimetiere P, Richard J.

 

This study can be accessed at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/7424886

This study investigated the relationship between cholesterol levels and death from cancer. The study included 7,603 men, aged 43-52 years, who were followed for an average of 6.6 years.

The study found:
(a) Those who died from cancer had lower cholesterol levels than those who survived.
(b) Cholesterol levels increased steadily with survival time.

Mobile (cell) phones associated with a 70% increased risk of malignant brain tumours

This study was published in the International Journal of Oncology 2013 Dec;43(6):1833-45

 

Study title and authors:

Case-control study of the association between malignant brain tumours diagnosed between 2007 and 2009 and mobile and cordless phone use.

Hardell L, Carlberg M, Söderqvist F, Mild KH.

Department of Oncology, University Hospital, SE-701 85 Örebro, Sweden.

 

This study can be accessed at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24064953

Hardell notes that when mobile (cell) and cordless phones are used they emit radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (RF-EMFs) and the brain is the main target organ for the handheld phone. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classified in May, 2011 RF-EMF as a group 2B, i.e. a 'possible' human carcinogen.

The aim of this study was to further explore the relationship between especially long-term use of wireless (mobile and cordless) phones and the development of malignant brain tumours. The study included 593 patients, aged 18-75 years, with a malignant brain tumour and 1,386 controls.

The study found:
(a) Use of a wireless phones (mobile or cordless) was associated with a 70% increased risk of malignant brain tumours.
(b) Use of a wireless phones (mobile or cordless) for more than 25 years was associated with a 200% increased risk of malignant brain tumours.

Hardell concluded: "This study confirmed previous results of an association between mobile and cordless phone use and malignant brain tumours. These findings provide support for the hypothesis that RF-EMFs play a role both in the initiation and promotion stages of carcinogenesis".

Animal protein intake is associated with higher-level functional capacity in elderly adults

This study was published in the Journal of the American Geriatric Society 2014 Mar;62(3):426-34

 

Study title and authors:

Animal protein intake is associated with higher-level functional capacity in elderly adults: the ohasama study.

Imai E, Tsubota-Utsugi M, Kikuya M, Satoh M, Inoue R, Hosaka M, Metoki H, Fukushima N, Kurimoto A, Hirose T, Asayama K, Imai Y, Ohkubo T.

Section of the Dietary Reference Intakes, Department of Nutritional Epidemiology, National Institute of Health and Nutrition, Tokyo, Japan.

 

This study can be accessed at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24576149

The objective of the study was to determine the association between protein intake and risk of higher-level functional decline in older adults. The study lasted for seven years and included 1,007 participants, average age 67.4 years, who were free of functional decline at the start of the study.

The study found:
(a) Men who consumed the most animal protein had a 59% reduced risk of higher-level functional decline compared to men who consumed the least animal protein.
(b) Women who consumed the most animal protein had a 24% reduced risk of higher-level functional decline compared to women who consumed the least animal protein.
(c) No consistent association was observed between plant protein intake and future higher-level functional decline in either sex.

Higher animal protein intake is associated with lower risk of decline in higher-level functional capacity in elderly adults.

Evidence from 72 studies shows that saturated fat does not cause heart disease

This study was published in the Annals of Internal Medicine 2014;160(6):398-406-406

Study title and authors:
Association of Dietary, Circulating, and Supplement Fatty Acids With Coronary Risk: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis                                                                    

Rajiv Chowdhury, MD, PhD; Samantha Warnakula, MPhil; Setor Kunutsor, MD, MSt; Francesca Crowe, PhD; Heather A. Ward, PhD; Laura Johnson, PhD; Oscar H. Franco, MD, PhD; Adam S. Butterworth, PhD; Nita G. Forouhi, MRCP, PhD; Simon G. Thompson, FMedSci; Kay-Tee Khaw, FMedSci; Dariush Mozaffarian, MD, DrPH; John Danesh, FRCP; and Emanuele Di Angelantonio, MD, PhD

This study can be accessed at: http://annals.org/article.aspx?articleid=1846638

This review led by Dr Rajiv Chowdhury from the University of Cambridge, notes that current "official" dietary guidelines advocate that high consumption of polyunsaturated fatty acids and low consumption of total saturated fats are recommended to prevent heart disease.

The purpose of this review was to summarise evidence about associations between different fats and coronary heart disease. The review included 72 studies from 18 countries with a total of 659,298 participants.

 

The study found:

(a) Current evidence does not support guidelines which restrict the consumption of saturated fats in order to prevent heart disease.

(b) There is insufficient support for guidelines which advocate the high consumption of polyunsaturated fats (such as omega 3 and omega 6) to reduce the risk of coronary disease.

 

Dr Chowdhury states: "These are interesting results that potentially stimulate new lines of scientific inquiry and encourage careful reappraisal of our current nutritional guidelines".

For more detailed appraisals of the above study please see:
http://www.drbriffa.com/2014/03/21/yet-another-major-review-finds-no-reason-at-all-to-limit-saturated-fat-in-the-diet/

and also:
http://drmalcolmkendrick.org/2014/03/19/although-now-dead-the-cholesterolosaurus-will-march-on/