Info Tips: 2015

Statin use associated with a 52% increased risk of Interstitial cystitis

2015 Jul 16

Study title and authors:

Statin Use Is Associated with Bladder Pain Syndrome/Interstitial Cystitis: A Population-Based Case-Control Study.

Huang CY, Chung SD, Kao LT, Lin HC, Wang LH.

Department of Urology, National Taiwan University Hospital, College of Medicine National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan.

This study can be accessed at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26184102

This study examined the association between statin use and bladder pain syndrome/interstitial cystitis. The study included 815 female subjects with bladder pain syndrome/interstitial cystitis and 4,075 randomly selected female controls.

The study found that statin users had a 52% increased risk of bladder pain syndrome/interstitial cystitis compared to nonusers.

Low levels of LDL cholesterol associated with a 65% increased risk of death in heart attack patients

2015 Jun;43(6):1255-64

Study title and authors:
Lipid paradox in acute myocardial infarction-the association with 30-day in-hospital mortality.

Cheng KH, Chu CS, Lin TH, Lee KT, Sheu SH, Lai WT.
Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.

This study can be accessed at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25738856

The Killip classification (four classes - I to IV) is a system used in individuals with a heart attack. Individuals with a low Killip class are less likely to die within the first 30 days after their heart attack than individuals with a high Killip class.

This study was designed to clarify the relationship between cholesterol levels, Killip classification, and 30-day mortality in patients with a heart attack. The study included 724 heart attack patients.

The study found:
(a) Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol and triglyceride levels were significantly lower in high-Killip (III + IV) patients compared with low-Killip (I + II) patients.
(b) Patients with low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol less than 62.5 mg/dL (1.6 mmol/L) had a 65% increased risk of death compared with patients with patients with low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol more than 62.5 mg/dL (1.6 mmol/L).
(c) Patients with triglyceride levels less than 110 mg/dL (1.24 mmol/L) had a 405% increased risk of death compared with patients with patients with triglyceride levels more than 110 mg/dL (1.24 mmol/L).
(d) Patients with a high-Killip classification and with with triglycerides less than 62.5 mg/dL (1.6 mmol/L) and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol less than 110 mg/dL (1.24 mmol/L) had a 10.9-fold higher risk of death than patients with a low-Killip classification with triglycerides greater than 62.5 mg/dL (1.6 mmol/L) and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol greater than 110 mg/dL (1.24 mmol/L).

Cheng concluded: "Low low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, low triglycerides, and high Killip severity were associated with significantly higher 30-day in-hospital mortality in patients presenting with acute myocardial infarction".

High red meat consumption associated with a 9% reduction in death from diabetes

2015 Jul 10;15(1):633

Study title and authors:

Spatiotemporal variation in diabetes mortality in China: multilevel evidence from 2006 and 2012.

Zhou M, Astell-Burt T, Yin P, Feng X, Page A, Liu Y, Liu J, Li Y, Liu S, Wang L, Wang L, Wang L.

National Center for Chronic and Noncommunicable Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 27 Nanwei Road, Xicheng District, Beijing, 100050, China. maigengzhou@126.com.

This study can be accessed at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26159911

This study investigated diabetes death rates. The six year study included data from 73 million people.

Regarding red meat consumption, the study found, those who consumed the most red meat had a 9% lower death rate from diabetes than those who consumed the least red meat.

Regarding cholesterol levels, the study found, those who had the highest cholesterol levels had a 3% lower death rate from diabetes compared to those who had the lowest cholesterol levels.

Statin use is associated with weight gain and a large increase in diabetes

2014 Apr 24

Study title and authors:

Different Time Trends of Caloric and Fat Intake Between Statin Users and Nonusers Among US Adults: Gluttony in the Time of Statins?

Sugiyama T, Tsugawa Y, Tseng CH, Kobayashi Y, Shapiro MF.

Division of General Internal Medicine and Health Services Research, David Geffen School of Medicine at University of California, Los Angeles2Department of Public Health/Health Policy, Graduate School of Medicine, the University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan3Depa.

This study can be accessed at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24763487

This study examined the effects of statins on caloric intake, weight gain and diabetes. The study lasted eleven years and included 27,886 adults, 20 years or older, who completed a 24-hour dietary recall.

The study found over an 11 year period:
(a) The caloric intake of statin users increased by 9.6%.
(b) The caloric intake of non users DECREASED by 1.9%.
(c) The BMI of statin user increased by 1.3
(d) The BMI of non users increased by 0.5
(e) Diabetes increased by 7.8% in statin users.
(f) Diabetes DECREASED by 0.4% in non users.

This study shows statin use is associated with weight gain and a large increase in diabetes.

Irlen Syndrome associated with significantly decreased cholesterol levels

2003 Dec;97(3 Pt 1):743-52

Study title and authors:
Plasma cholesterol levels and Irlen syndrome: preliminary study of 10- to 17-yr.-old students.

Sparkes DL, Robinson GL, Dunstan H, Roberts TK.
University of Newcastle, Callaghan NSW, Australia.

This study can be accessed at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/14738334

Irlen Syndrome is a perceptual processing disorder. It is not an optical problem. It is a problem with the brain’s ability to process visual information.

This study investigated various health markers in children and teenagers with Irlen Syndrome. The study included 13 subjects with Irlen Syndrome who were compared with a group of 16 age- and sex-matched controls.

Regarding cholesterol, the study found that cholesterol levels were significantly decreased in the Irlen Syndrome group compared to the control group.

From a fish tank injury to hospital haemodialysis: the serious consequences of statin drug interactions

2015 Jun 23;2015

Study title and authors:

From a fish tank injury to hospital haemodialysis: the serious consequences of drug interactions.

Hill FJ, McCloskey SJ, Sheerin N.

Renal Department, Newcastle Upon Tyne Hospitals, Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK.

This paper can be accessed at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26106178

This paper describes the case of a man who suffered acute kidney injury following statin-induced rhabdomyolysis.

(i) A 68-year-old man was admitted to hospital with severe acute kidney injury secondary to statin-induced rhabdomyolysis.
(ii) Five weeks previously, the patient started a course of clarithromycin for infection of a finger wound. His current medications included simvastatin, which he continued along with clarithromycin.
(iii) The severity of the acute kidney injury necessitated initial continuous venovenous haemofiltration followed by 12 haemodialysis sessions before a spontaneous improvement in renal function occurred.

Hill concluded: "Statins are widely prescribed and we report this case to encourage increased vigilance in avoiding drug interactions known to increase the risk of statin-induced myopathy, including macrolide antibiotics, calcium channel antagonists and amiodarone".

Low cholesterol associated with Fragile X syndrome

2015 Feb;167A(2):379-84

Study title and authors:

Cholesterol levels in fragile X syndrome.

Berry-Kravis E, Levin R, Shah H, Mathur S, Darnell JC, Ouyang B.

Departments of Pediatrics, Rush University Medical Center, USA; Departments of Neurological Sciences, Rush University Medical Center, USA; Departments of Biochemistry, Rush University Medical Center, USA.

This paper can be accessed at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25424470

Dr Elizabeth Berry-Kravis notes that Fragile X syndrome (FXS) is associated with intellectual disability and behavioural dysfunction, including anxiety, ADHD symptoms, and autistic features.

Dr Berry-Kravis found that during the course of follow up of patients with FXS she noted that many patients had low cholesterol levels and low levels of high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol.

She then initiated a systematic review of all cholesterol values present in charts from over 500 patients with FXS and revealed that total cholesterol, low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol and HDL cholesterol were all significantly reduced in males with FXS compared with normal levels.

Dr Berry-Kravis findings reveal that low cholesterol levels are associated with Fragile X syndrome.

Low cholesterol levels are associated with depression

2014 Apr;36(2):129-33

Study title and authors:
A controlled study of serum lipid profiles in Indian patients with depressive episode.

Patra BN, Khandelwal SK, Chadda RK, Ramakrishnan L.
Department of Psychiatry, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India.

This study can be accessed at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24860211

This study analysed the influence of cholesterol levels in depressive patients. The study included 30 depressive patients and 30 healthy matched control subjects.

The study found:
(a) The cholesterol levels of depressive patients was 18% lower than the cholesterol levels of healthy controls.
(b) The LDL cholesterol levels of depressive patients was 26% lower than the cholesterol levels of healthy controls.

Patra concluded: "Lower levels of serum cholesterol are associated with depressive disorder".

Saturated fat helps to preserve cartilage

2013 Oct;4(4):321-8

Study title and authors:

Monounsaturated and Saturated, but Not n-6 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids Decrease Cartilage Destruction under Inflammatory Conditions: A Preliminary Study.

Bastiaansen-Jenniskens YM, Siawash M, van de Lest CH, Verhaar JA, Kloppenburg M, Zuurmond AM, Stojanovic-Susulic V, Van Osch GJ, Clockaerts S.

Department of Orthopaedics, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, the Netherlands.

This study can be accessed at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26069676

This study investigated whether the most common fats found in synovial fluid influence cartilage deterioration in patients with osteoarthritis. Cartilage was obtained from osteoarthritis patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty (knee replacement). Chondrocytes (cells found in cartilage) or cartilage explants were cultured with linoleic (n-6 polyunsaturated fat), oleic (monounsaturated fat), or palmitic (saturated fat).

The study found that:
(a) Polyunsaturated fat increased prostaglandin-E2 production. (Prostaglandin-E2 is proinflammatory).
(b) Saturated fat and monounsaturated fat inhibited matrix metalloproteinase-1 gene expression. (Matrix metalloproteinase-1 is proinflammatory).
(c) Saturated fat and monounsaturated inhibited glycosaminoglycan release. (Glycosaminoglycan provides the structural properties of cartilage, thereby higher glycosaminoglycan release indicates an increase in cartilage matrix degradation).

The results of the study indicate that polyunsaturated fat has a pro-inflammatory effect on cartilage whereas saturated fat and monounsaturated fat seem to inhibit cartilage destruction.

Bastiaansen-Jenniskens concluded: "These results indicate that altered fatty acid levels may influence loss of cartilage structure in osteoarthritis".

Statin use associated with a 340% increased risk of acute memory loss

2015 Jun 8

Study title and authors:

Statin Therapy and Risk of Acute Memory Impairment.

Strom BL, Schinnar R, Karlawish J, Hennessy S, Teal V, Bilker WB.

Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences, Rutgers University, Newark, New Jersey

This study can b accessed at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26054031

The objective of the study was to assess whether statin users and users of other cholesterol lowering drugs show acute decline in memory compared with nonusers. The study lasted 26 years and included 482,543 statin users, 482,543 matched non users of any cholesterol lowering drugs and 26,484 users of non statin cholesterol lowering drugs.

The study found:
(a) Statin users had a 340% increased risk of acute memory loss within 30 days immediately following exposure compared to non users.
(b) Non statin cholesterol lowering drug users had a 260% increased risk of acute memory loss within 30 days immediately following exposure compared to non users.

Strom concluded: "Both statin and nonstatin lipid lowering drugs were strongly associated with acute memory loss in the first 30 days following exposure in users compared with nonusers".

Statin use associated with 87% increased risk of diabetes

2015 Apr 28

Study title and authors:
Statins and New-Onset Diabetes Mellitus and Diabetic Complications: A Retrospective Cohort Study of US Healthy Adults.

Mansi I, Frei CR, Wang CP, Mortensen EM
Department of Medicine, VA North Texas Health System, 4500 S. Lancaster Rd #111E, Dallas, TX, USA, Ishak.mansi@va.gov.

This study can be accessed at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25917657

The objective of the study was to examine the association between statin use and new-onset diabetes, diabetic complications, and overweight/obesity in healthy adults. The study lasted 8.5 years and included 3,351 statins users who were matched with 3,351 nonusers.

The study found:
(a) Statin users had a 87% increased risk of developing new-onset diabetes compared to nonusers.
(b) Statin users had a 150% increased risk of developing diabetes with complications compared to nonusers.
(c) Statin users were 14% more likely to be overweight or obese compared to nonusers.

Mansi concluded: "Diabetes, diabetic complications, and overweight/obesity were more commonly diagnosed among statin-users than similar nonusers in a healthy cohort of adults. This study demonstrates that short-term clinical trials might not fully describe the risk/benefit of long-term statin use".

A high intake of saturated fat may have protective effects in people with established coronary artery disease

2015 Feb;145(2):299-305

Study title and authors:
Dietary intake of saturated fat is not associated with risk of coronary events or mortality in patients with established coronary artery disease.

Puaschitz NG, Strand E, Norekvål TM, Dierkes J, Dahl L, Svingen GF, Assmus J, Schartum-Hansen H, Øyen J, Pedersen EK, Drevon CA, Tell GS, Nygård O.
Departments of Heart Disease Departments of Clinical Science nathalie.genevieve.puaschitz@helse-bergen.no.

This study can be accessed at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25644351

This study investigated the associations between saturated fat intake and risk of subsequent coronary events and mortality in patients with established coronary artery disease. The study included 2,412 patients, average age 61.7 years, who were followed for 4.8 years.

The study found
(a) Patients who consumed the most saturated fat were 10.4% less likely to take statin drugs than patients who consumed the least saturated fat.
(b) Patients who consumed the most saturated fat had a 15% reduced risk of unstable angina pectoris, nonfatal acute heart attack and coronary death compared to patients who consumed the least saturated fat.

Puaschitz comments that: "A high intake of saturated fat may have protective effects" and "When current prevention guidelines aim to limit the saturated fat intake to below 7–10% of energy, one can speculate whether this is appropriate in patients with coronary artery disease".

The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics say that cholesterol and saturated fat do not cause heart disease

The 2015 Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee (DGAC) recently released the new draft dietary guidelines for Americans.

A press release from the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics commented on the draft guidelines. The release contained the following:

(a) The Academy supports the DGAC in its decision to drop dietary cholesterol from the nutrients of concern list and recommends it deemphasize saturated fat from nutrients of concern, given the lack of evidence connecting it with cardiovascular disease.
(b) Low sodium intake levels recommended by the DGAC are actually associated with increased mortality for healthy individuals.
(c) The evidence is strongest that a reduction in the intake of added sugars will improve the health of the American public.

I'm glad the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics are at last coming around to my way of thinking.

Statins users with existing coronary artery disease have a 15% increased risk of another heart attack

2004 Jan;68(1):47-52

Study title and authors:
Insulin resistance and fasting hyperinsulinemia are risk factors for new cardiovascular events in patients with prior coronary artery disease and normal glucose tolerance.

Yanase M, Takatsu F, Tagawa T, Kato T, Arai K, Koyasu M, Horibe H, Nomoto S, Takemoto K, Shimizu S, Watarai M.
Division of Cardiology, Cardiovascular Center, Anjo Kosei Hospital, Aichi, Japan. yanase@kosei.anjo.aichi.jp

This study can be accessed at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/14695465

This study investigated risk factors for further cardiovascular event in patients with existing coronary artery disease. The study lasted three years and included 102 patients with coronary artery disease.

Regarding statins, the study found that patients who took statins had a 15% increased risk of a further cardiovascular event than patients who did not take statins.

Statins and nasal polyps

2005 Feb 15;142(4):310-1

Study title and authors:
Statins and nasal polyps.

Bucca C, Marsico A, Panaro E, Bigo P, Brussino L.

This paper can be accessed at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15710970

This paper describes the case of a woman who developed nasal polyps (warty growths) after taking statins.

(i) A 57 year old woman with rhinosinusitis (rhinosinusitis is inflammation of the nasal passage and sinuses) and asthma sought medical attention for the recent onset of rhinosinusitis associated with asthma.
(ii) With treatment the patients condition nearly normalised.
(iii) She started to take atorvastatin.
(iv) One month later the patient returned because of severe persistent nasal obstruction with extensive polyp growth.
(v) Tests found she had abnormally high amounts of eosinophil's (white blood cells) and her sinuses were completely stuffed with polyps.
(vi) The polyps were removed, but returned within one month of surgery.
(vii) She stopped taking atorvastatin and within three weeks her condition had dramatically improved with her nasal polyps disappearing.
(viii) She restarted atorvastatin and her nasal symptoms and polyps returned shortly afterwards, together with nasal eosinophilia.
(ix) The patient improved after again stopping atorvastatin.
(x) She later started to take simvastatin and again the polyps recurred.

Bucca concluded: "Statins may lead to development of eosinophilic polypoid rhinosinusitis"

Statin use associated with a 17% increased risk of urinary tract symptoms

2014 Jul 2

Study title and authors:

Association of statin use with storage lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS): data mining of prescription database.

Fujimoto M, Higuchi T, Hosomi K, Takada M.

This study can be accessed at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24986095

The objective of the study was to examine the association between statin use and the risk of lower urinary tract symptoms. The study analysed a large database of prescriptions of statin use in combination with drugs administered for storage lower urinary tract symptoms. (Storage lower urinary tract symptoms include increased frequency and urgency of passing urine, urge incontinence and needing to get up to pass urine at night).

The study found statin users had a 17% higher risk of storage lower urinary tract symptoms.

Fujimoto concluded: "Analysis of the prescription database showed significant association for storage LUTS (lower urinary tract symptoms) in statin users".

Statins associated with an 88% increased risk of recurrence of bladder cancer

2015 Mar 13;15:120

Study title and authors:

Can daily intake of aspirin and/or statins influence the behavior of non-muscle invasive bladder cancer? A retrospective study on a cohort of patients undergoing transurethral bladder resection.

Pastore A, Palleschi G, Fuschi A, Silvestri L, Al Salhi Y, Costantini E, Zucchi A, Petrozza V, de Nunzio C, Carbone A.

This study can be accessed at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25877676

Transurethral bladder resection is a surgical procedure that is used both to diagnose bladder cancer and to remove cancerous tissue from the bladder.

This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer and statins or aspirin in patients submitted to transurethral bladder resection. The study, (which included 574 patients diagnosed with non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer), was divided into two main groups: treated (aspirin and/or statins) and untreated.

Regarding statins, the study found that patients who took statins had a 88% increased risk of recurrence of bladder cancer compared to patients who did not take statins.

Plant sterols might be an additional risk factor for coronary heart disease

2002 Dec;51(12):1519-21

Study title and authors:
Serum plant sterols as a potential risk factor for coronary heart disease.

Sudhop T, Gottwald BM, von Bergmann K.
Department of Clinical Pharmacology, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany.

This study can be accessed at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12489060

The lead author of the study, Dr Thomas Sudhop, notes that in patients with the inherited disease of phytosterolemia, elevated concentrations of plant sterols (eg, campesterol and sitosterol) (think Benecol and Flora proactive) have been implicated as a risk factor for premature atherosclerosis.

This study examined the role of plant sterols in patients (with plant sterol levels in the normal range) admitted for elective artery coronary bypass graft surgery. The study included 53 patients of which 26 reported a family history in their first-degree relatives for coronary heart disease.

The study found:
(a) Patients with a positive family history for coronary heart disease had a significant 31% higher plasma levels of campesterol compared to patients without a family history of coronary heart disease.
(b) Patients with a positive family history for coronary heart disease had a significant 29% higher plasma levels of sitosterol compared to patients without a family history of coronary heart disease.
(c) Patients with a positive family history for coronary heart disease had a significantly higher ratios of sitosterol to cholesterol and campesterol to cholesterol compared to patients without a family history of coronary heart disease.

Dr Sudhop concluded: "These findings support the hypothesis that plant sterols might be an additional risk factor for coronary heart disease".

Statin users of ten years have a 30% increased risk of colorectal cancer

2008 Sep;17(9):869-76

Study title and authors:
Chronic statin therapy and the risk of colorectal cancer.

Yang YX, Hennessy S, Propert K, Hwang WT, Sarkar M, Lewis JD.
Division of Gastroenterology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104-6021, USA. yangy@mail.med.upenn.edu

This study can be accessed at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18412290

The study sought to clarify the association between long-term statin therapy and the risk of colorectal cancer. This study was conducted among patients aged 50 years or more and with five or more years of colorectal cancer-free initial follow-up. The study included 4,432 colorectal cancer patients and 44,292 control subjects.

The study found:
(a) Those who had been taking statins for five or more years had a 10% increased risk of colorectal cancer compared to non-users of statins.
(b) Those who had been taking statins for ten years had a 30% increased risk of colorectal cancer compared to non-users of statins.

Sitosterol, a constituent of Benecol and Flora proactive, is associated with an increased occurrence of major coronary events

2006 Jan;16(1):13-21

Study title and authors:
Plasma sitosterol elevations are associated with an increased incidence of coronary events in men: results of a nested case-control analysis of the Prospective Cardiovascular Münster (PROCAM) study.

Assmann G, Cullen P, Erbey J, Ramey DR, Kannenberg F, Schulte H.
Leibniz-Institut für Arterioskleroseforschung an der Universität Münster, Domagkstrasse 3, 48149 Münster, Germany. assmann@uni-muenster.de

This study can be accessed at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16399487

Phytosterols such as sitosterol are inserted in high quantities (at 841 times than the average vegetable) in plant sterol based margarines such as Benecol and Flora proactive.

This study was conducted to evaluate if sitosterol levels seen in the general population are associated with the occurrence of coronary events. The ten year study included 159 men who suffered a heart attack or sudden coronary death (major coronary event), who were compared with 318 control subjects.

The study found:
(a) Men with the highest sitosterol levels had a 1.8-fold increase in the risk of a major coronary event compared to men with lower levels.
(b) Among men with a high risk of a major coronary event, high sitosterol concentrations were associated with an additional 3-fold increase in the incidence of coronary events.
(c) Men with a high sitosterol/cholesterol ratio had a 3-fold increase in the incidence of coronary events.

Assmann concluded: "Elevations in sitosterol concentrations and the sitosterol/cholesterol ratio appear to be associated with an increased occurrence of major coronary events in men at high global risk of coronary heart disease".

Plant sterols, found in Benecol and Flora proactive, are associated with an increased risk of coronary artery disease

2015 Mar 23

Study title and authors:
Increased plant sterol deposition in vascular tissue characterizes patients with severe aortic stenosis and concomitant coronary artery disease.

Luister A, Schött HF, Husche C, Schäfers HJ, Böhm M, Plat J, Gräber S, Lütjohann D, Laufs U, Weingärtner O.
Klinik für Innere Medizin III¸Kardiologie, Angiologie und Internistische Intensivmedizin.

This paper can be accessed at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25814070

Phytosterols are present in very small quantities in fruit and vegetables. The phytosterol content of plant sterol-enriched margarines (Benecol, Flora proactive etc) are higher by an order of magnitude of up to 841 times than the average vegetable (see here). Campesterol and sitosterol are types of phytosterols.

Oxyphytosterols are phytosterols that have gone rancid.

Cholestanol is a derivative of cholesterol.

The aim of the study (of 104 patients) was to evaluate the relationship between phytosterols, oxyphytosterols, lathosterol, cholestanol and cholesterol in patients with severe aortic stenosis (artery blockages), some of whom also had coronary artery disease who were scheduled for elective aortic valve replacement.

The study found:
(a) The ratio of campesterol-to-cholesterol was increased by 26% in plasma of patients with coronary artery disease compared to those without coronary artery disease.
(b) Sitosterol concentrations were increased by 38.8% in the tissues of patients with coronary artery disease compared to those without coronary artery disease.
(c) Campesterol concentrations were increased by 30.4% in the tissues of patients with coronary artery disease compared to those without coronary artery disease.
(d) Oxidized sitosterol-to-cholesterol ratios were up-regulated by 22.7% in the plasma of patients with coronary artery disease compared to those without coronary artery disease.
(e) Oxidized campesterol was increased by 17.1% in the aortic valve cusps (the triangular fold or flap of a heart valve) of patients with coronary artery disease compared to those without coronary artery disease.
(f) Neither cholestanol nor the ratio of cholestanol-to-cholesterol was associated with coronary artery disease.

Luister concluded: "Patients with concomitant coronary artery disease are characterized by increased deposition of plant sterols, but not cholestanol in aortic valve tissue. Moreover, patients with concomitant coronary artery disease were characterized by increased oxyphytosterol concentrations in plasma and aortic valve cusps".

Is it wise to consume margarines high in phytosterols (such as Benecol and Flora proactive) when the study suggests that phytosterols are associated with a higher risk of coronary artery disease?

Rhabdomyolysis occurring under statins after intense physical activity in a marathon runner

2015;2015:721078

Study title and authors:
Rhabdomyolysis Occurring under Statins after Intense Physical Activity in a Marathon Runner.

Toussirot É, Michel F, Meneveau N.
Clinical Investigation Center for Biotherapy, CIC-1431, FHU INCREASE, University Hospital of Besançon, 25000 Besançon, France

This paper can be accessed at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25815236

This paper reports the case of a marathon runner who developed rhabdomyolysis.

(i) A 50 year old man healthy man started to take atorvastatin but soon suffered from severe muscle pain. He then was prescribed rosuvastatin.
(ii) The patient was a regular long-distance and marathon runner. He was preparing for an international competition.
(iii) On the day of the competition and while being still under rosuvastatin, the patient experienced progressively worsening muscular weakness. At the end of the race, he suffered from severe pains in the lower limbs similar to diffuse cramps associated with generalized muscle contraction.
(iv) Muscle enzymes (creatine kinase) were tested two days after the race and were at 2631 IU/L (normal levels 300) and he was diagnosed with rhabdomyolysis.
(v) One year later, (without taking the statins), for another marathon, the patient felt no muscle weakness at all or muscle contractions after the race.

Toussirot concluded: "Intense physical activity, as performed by statin treated athletes (whether professional or not and particularly during long-distance races) could have adverse consequences on muscles".

Acute exacerbations and infections increase in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease who take aspirin and statins

2015 Mar 2;12(3):280-7

Study title and author:

No Significant Detectable Anti-infection Effects of Aspirin and Statins in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease.

Yayan J.

Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Pulmonary, Allergy and Sleep Medicine, Saarland University Medical Center, Homburg/Saar, Germany.

This study can be accessed at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25798054

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is the name for a collection of lung diseases including chronic bronchitis, emphysema and chronic obstructive airways disease.

This study examined the effect of using aspirin and statins in the exacerbation and infection in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The study included 300 patients, average age 69 years, with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

The study found:
(a) Patients taking aspirin and statins were 40% more likely to develop an infection than not develop an infection.
(b) Patients taking statins alone were 230% more likely to develop an infection than not develop an infection.
(c) Patients not taking either aspirin or statins were 40% LESS likely to develop an infection than develop an infection.
(d) Patients taking aspirin and statins had a 16% increased risk of acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease compared to patients not taking either aspirin or statins.
(e) Patients taking statins alone had a 56% increased risk of acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease compared to patients not taking either aspirin or statins.

Yayan concluded: "In this study, the number of acute exacerbations and infections increased in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease who took aspirin and statins compared with those who took neither aspirin nor statins".

Women who consume diet drinks have a higher risk of cardiovascular disease

2014 Dec 17

Study title and authors:
Diet Drink Consumption and the Risk of Cardiovascular Events: A Report from the Women's Health Initiative.

Vyas A, Rubenstein L, Robinson J, Seguin RA, Vitolins MZ, Kazlauskaite R, Shikany JM, Johnson KC, Snetselaar L, Wallace R.
Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics, 200 Hawkins Dr., Int. Med. E316-1 GH, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA, ankurvyas7@gmail.com.

This study can be accessed at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25515135

This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between diet drink intake and cardiovascular events. The study included 59,614 post-menopausal women, average age 62.8 years, who were followed for 8.7 years.

The study found:
(a) Women who consumed two or more diet drinks per day had a 30% higher risk of cardiovascular disease events compared to women who consumed 0-3 diet drinks a month.
(b) Women who consumed two or more diet drinks per day had a 50% higher risk of cardiovascular disease deaths compared to women who consumed 0-3 diet drinks a month.
(c) Women who consumed two or more diet drinks per day had a 30% higher risk of overall deaths compared to women who consumed 0-3 diet drinks a month.

Vyas concluded: "This analysis demonstrates an association between high diet drink intake and cardiovascular disease outcomes and mortality in post-menopausal women".

Statins may increase the risk of liver disease in patients with Graves orbitopathy

2015 Mar 9

Study title and authors:
STATINS MAY INCREASE THE RISK OF LIVER DISFUNCTION IN PATIENTS TREATED WITH STEROIDS FOR ACTIVE GRAVES' ORBITOPATHY.

Covelli D, Vannucchi G, Campi I, Currò N, D'Ambrosio R, Maggioni M, Gianelli U, Beck-Peccoz P, Salvi M.

This paper can be accessed at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25751109

Graves' orbitopathy is an autoimmune inflammatory disorder affecting the orbit around the eye, characterized by upper eyelid retraction, lid lag, swelling, redness, conjunctivitis, and bulging eyes.

Graves' orbitopathy is often treated with methylprednisolone (an intravenous glucocorticoid). Often patients with Graves' orbitopathy and using an intravenous glucocorticoid, are also treated with statins.

This paper records the cases of two patients, (a 64 years old man and a 58 years old woman), who were prescribed methylprednisolone and concomitant administration of statins.

In the 64 year old man:
(a) After starting simvastatin and methylprednisolone he suffered from liver dysfunction. (His liver enzymes were significantly increased).
(b) He stopped taking simvastatin and methylprednisolone.
(c) He restarted methylprednisolone (but not simvastatin) and his liver enzymes returned to normal.

In the 58 year old woman:
(d) After starting rosuvastatin and methylprednisolone she suffered from liver dysfunction. (Her liver enzymes were significantly increased).
(e) She stopped taking methylprednisolone but continued rosuvastatin.
(f) Her live enzymes increased further.
(g) Three weeks later she stopped the rosuvastatin and there was a progressive normalization of her liver enzymes.

Covelli concluded: "Our study shows that statins, when concomitantly employed with methylprednisolone, may be a cause of liver dysfunction during intravenous glucocorticoid in active Graves' orbitopathy".

Statins and low cholesterol associated with a higher risk of Parkinson's disease

2015 Jan 14

Study title and authors:
Statins, plasma cholesterol, and risk of Parkinson's disease: A prospective study.

Huang X, Alonso A, Guo X, Umbach DM, Lichtenstein ML, Ballantyne CM, Mailman RB, Mosley TH, Chen H.
Department of Neurology, Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, Hershey, Pennsylvania, USA.

This study can be accessed at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25639598

This study examined the relationship between cholesterol levels and statin use in relation to Parkinson's disease. The study included 15,792 participants, aged 45-64 years, who were followed for 11 years.

The study found:
(a) Statin users had a 139% higher risk of Parkinson's compared to non-users.
(b) Those with the highest cholesterol had a 57% reduced risk of Parkinson's compared to those with the lowest cholesterol.

Professor Huang concluded: "Statin use may be associated with a higher Parkinson's disease risk, whereas higher total cholesterol may be associated with lower risk".

Statins associated with elevated risk of high-grade prostate cancer

2015 Feb 23. pii: S0959-8049(15)00124-0

Study title and authors:

The risk of prostate cancer for men on aspirin, statin or antidiabetic medications.

Nordström T, Clements M, Karlsson R, Adolfsson J, Grönberg H.

This study can be accessed at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25727881

This study estimated the association between prescribed medications and the risk of either any prostate cancer or high-grade prostate cancer. The study included 185,667 men having a first recorded prostate specific antigen test and 18,574 men having a first prostate biopsy.

Regarding statins, the study found:
(a) Men using statins had a 16% increased risk of any prostate cancer compared to men not taking statins.
(b) Men using statins had a 25% increased risk of high-grade prostate cancer compared to men not taking statins.

Nordstrom concluded: "Use of any statins was associated with an elevated risk of being diagnosed with high-grade prostate cancer".

Statins increase the risk of diabetes by 46%

This study was published in Diabetologia DOI 10.1007/s00125-015-3528-5

Study title and authors:
Increased risk of diabetes with statin treatment is associated with impaired insulin sensitivity and insulin secretion: a 6 year follow-up study of the METSIM cohort
Henna Cederberg & Alena Stančáková & Nagendra Yaluri & Shalem Modi & Johanna Kuusisto & Markku Laakso
Institute of Clinical Medicine, Internal Medicine, University of Eastern Finland and Kuopio University Hospital

This study can be accessed at: http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/840884

The aim of this work was to investigate the mechanisms underlying the risk of type two diabetes associated with statins. The study included 8,749 non-diabetic men, aged 45–73 years, who were followed up for 5.9 years.

The study found:
(a) Individuals taking statins had a 46% increased risk of developing diabetes compared to individuals not taking statins.
(b) Insulin sensitivity was decreased by 24% in individuals on statin treatment compared with individuals without statin treatment.
(c) Insulin secretion was decreased by 12% in individuals on statin treatment compared with individuals without statin treatment.

Cederberg concluded: "Statin treatment increased the risk of type 2 diabetes by 46%, attributable to decreases in insulin sensitivity and insulin secretion".

Positive review of my books in Caduceus magazine by Dr Rajendra Sharma

My books "Cholesterol And Saturated Fat Prevent Heart Disease" and "Low Cholesterol Leads To An Early Death" have received positive reviews in issue 80 (page 11) of Caduceus magazine by Dr Rajendra Sharma.

Statin use is significantly associated with cataract requiring surgical intervention

2014 Dec;30(12):1613-9

Study title and authors:
Statin use and risk for cataract: a nested case-control study of 2 populations in Canada and the United States.

Wise SJ, Nathoo NA, Etminan M, Mikelberg FS, Mancini GB.

This study can be accessed at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25475465

This study examined the effect of statin use on the risk of cataract and need for surgical intervention. Data was derived from two health databases: The British Columbia Ministry of Health database and the IMS LifeLink database (US health claims database). The British Columbia Ministry of Health database included 162,501 male and female cataract patients who were matched with 650,004 control subjects. The IMS LifeLink database comprised of male patients aged 40-85 years; 45,065 cataract patients were matched with 450,650 control subjects.

The study found:
(a) In the British Columbia group, statin users had a 27% increased risk of cataract requiring surgical intervention compared to nonusers.
(b) In the IMS LifeLink group, statin users had a 7% increased risk of cataract requiring surgical intervention compared to nonusers.

Wise concluded: "This study demonstrates that statin use is significantly associated with cataract requiring surgical intervention.".

Doctor says that statins may be the cause of the current heart failure and atherosclerosis epidemic

2015 Feb 6:1-11

Study title and authors:

Statins stimulate atherosclerosis and heart failure: pharmacological mechanisms.

Okuyama H, Langsjoen PH, Hamazaki T, Ogushi Y, Hama R, Kobayashi T, Uchino H.

Nagoya City University and Institute for Consumer Science and Human Life, Kinjo Gakuin University, 2-1723 Omori, Moriyama, Nagoya 463-8521, Japan.

This paper can be accessed at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25655639

Dr Harumi Okuyama and his team from the Nagoya City University in Japan discuss the mechanisms of how statins may cause atherosclerosis and heart failure.

Dr Okuyama states:
(i) In contrast to the current belief that cholesterol reduction with statins decreases atherosclerosis, we present a perspective that statins may be causative in coronary artery calcification and can function as mitochondrial toxins that impair muscle function in the heart and blood vessels through the depletion of coenzyme Q₁₀ and 'heme A', and thereby ATP generation.
(ii) Statins inhibit the synthesis of vitamin K_2.Vitamin K2 protects arteries from calcification.
(iii) Statins inhibit the biosynthesis of selenium containing proteins. An impairment of selenoprotein biosynthesis may be a factor in congestive heart failure.

Dr Okuyama concludes: "The epidemic of heart failure and atherosclerosis that plagues the modern world may paradoxically be aggravated by the pervasive use of statin drugs".

Statins unequivocally associated with lower levels of testosterone

ska 2014;65(6):464-8

Study title and authors:

Treatment with statins and testosterone levels in men.

Mędraś M, Kubicka E, Jóźkow P, Słowińska-Lisowska M, Trzmiel-Bira A, Filus A.

Department of Biological Principles of Sport, University School of Physical Education in Wroclaw, Wroclaw, Poland. eliza.kubicka@gmail.com.

This study can be accessed at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25554614

The aim of the study was to evaluate whether the use of statins is associated with the concentration of sex hormones. The study included 237 men, average age 58 years.

the study found:
(a) The total testosterone levels of men taking statins was 9% lower than men not taking statins.
(b) The free testosterone levels of men taking statins was 18% lower than men not taking statins.
(c) The calculated free testosterone levels of men taking statins was 11% lower than men not taking statins.
(d) The bioavailable testosterone levels of men taking statins was 19% lower than men not taking statins.

Medras concluded: "Our study unequivocally confirms that the use of statins is associated with lower levels of: total testosterone, free testosterone, calculated free testosterone and bioavailable testosterone".

High LDL cholesterol helps you live longer

2015 Jan 14;239(1):137-142

Study title and authors:

Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol was inversely associated with 3-year all-cause mortality among Chinese oldest old: Data from the Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey.

Lv YB, Yin ZX, Chei CL, Qian HZ, Kraus VB, Zhang J, Brasher MS, Shi XM, Matchar DB, Zeng Y.

Division of Non-Communicable Disease Control and Community Health, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China.

This study can be accessed at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25602855

This study examined the relationship between LDL-Cholesterol and all-cause mortality among the elderly. The study included 935 participants, aged 80 and older, who were followed for three years.

The study found:
(a) Each 1 mmol/L (38 mg/dL) increase of LDL-Cholesterol concentration corresponded to a 19% decreased risk of death.
(b) Those with a LDL-Cholesterol concentration of more than 3.37 mmol/L (130 mg/dL) had a 40% decreased risk of death.

The researchers concluded: "Higher LDL-Cholesterol level was associated with lower risk of all-cause mortality. Our findings suggested the necessity of re-evaluating the optimal level of LDL-Cholesterol among the oldest old".

Statin use increases the risk of multiple colorectal adenomas by 25%

2005 Apr;14(4):1026-7

Study title and authors:
Reported use of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase inhibitors was not associated with reduced recurrence of colorectal adenomas.

Wei JT, Mott LA, Baron JA, Sandler RS; Polyp Prevention Study Group.
Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of North Carolina, Campus Box 7080, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA. jwei@med.unc.edu

This study can be accessed at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15824186

This study investigated the association of statins with the risk of recurrent colorectal adenomas. (An adenoma is a benign tumour. Colorectal adenomas are removed because of their tendency to become malignant and to lead to colon cancer). The study analysed data from three randomised trials regarding the recurrence of colorectal adenomas in patients with a history of adenomas. The trials included 2,638 patients.

The analysis revealed:
(a) Statin users had a 3% increased risk of any adenoma compared to statin never-users.
(b) Statin users had a 13% increased risk of any advanced adenoma compared to statin never-users.
(c) Statin users had a 25% increased risk of multiple adenoma compared to statin never-users.