Statin induced myotoxicity

Atorvastatin-associated myotoxicity: A toxicokinetic review of pharmacogenetic associations to evaluate the feasibility of precision pharmacotherapy

Atorvastatin (ATV) and other statins are highly effective in reducing cholesterol levels. However, in some patients, the development of drug-associated muscle side effects remains an issue as it compromises the adherence to treatment. Since the toxicity is dose-dependent, exploring factors modulating pharmacokinetics (PK) appears fundamental. The purpose of this review aims at reporting the current state of knowledge about the singular genetic susceptibilities influencing the risk of developing ATV muscle adverse events through PK modulations. Multiple single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) in efflux (ABCB1, ABCC1, ABCC2, ABCC4 and ABCG2) and influx (SLCO1B1, SLCO1B3 and SLCO2B1) transporters have been explored for their association with ATV PK modulation or with statin-related myotoxicities (SRM) development. The most convincing pharmacogenetic association with ATV remains the influence of the rs4149056 (c.521 T > C) in SLCO1B1 on ATV PK and pharmacodynamics. This SNP has been robustly associated with increased ATV systemic exposure and consequently, an increased risk of SRM. Additionally, the SNP rs2231142 (c.421C > A) in ABCG2 has also been associated with increased drug exposure and higher risk of SRM occurrence. SLCO1B1 and ABCG2 pharmacogenetic associations highlight that modulation of ATV systemic exposure is important to explain the risk of developing SRM. However, some novel observations credit the hypothesis that additional genes (e.g. SLCO2B1 or ABCC1) might be important for explaining local PK modulations within the muscle tissue, indicating that studying the local PK directly at the skeletal muscle level might pave the way for additional understanding.

Effects of Statin Treatment on the Development of Tendinopathy: A Nationwide Population-Based Cohort Study

Background

Previous longitudinal cohort studies have reported the conflicting results of the relationship between statin use and the development of tendinopathy disorder. It is unclear if there is a relationship between statin use, particularly the type or cumulative doses, and the development of tendinopathy disorder.

Purpose

To investigate an association between statin treatment and the development of tendinopathy.

Study Design

Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods

A total of 594,130 participants were enrolled in this study in 2002 and evaluated until 2015. There were 84,102 statin users and 168,204 nonusers (controls) selected at a ratio of 1:2 using propensity score matching analysis. The types of included tendinopathy were as follows: (1) trigger finger, (2) radial styloid tenosynovitis, (3) elbow epicondylitis, (4) rotator cuff tendinopathy, and (5) Achilles tendinitis. Cox proportional hazards models with time-varying covariates were constructed to identify the association between statin use and tendinopathy development.

Results

Statin treatments regardless of statin types were associated with a significantly greater risk of all types of tendinopathy development (hazard ratio, 1.435; 95% CI, 1.411-1.460) compared with no statin treatment. A trend toward risk reduction was observed according to cumulative statin doses, which was indicated by hazard ratios of 2.337 (95% CI, 2.269-2.406), 2.210 (95% CI, 2.132-2.290), and 1.1 (95% CI, 1.098-1.146) in patients with cumulative defined daily doses of 90, 91-180, and >180, respectively.

Conclusion

This nationwide population-based cohort study suggests that statin use regardless of the statin type was associated with a greater risk of tendinopathy compared with that of nonusers. The risk of tendinopathy development was diluted with the increasing cumulative defined daily dose.

Impact of porous microsponges in minimizing myotoxic side effects of simvastatin

Simvastatin (SV) is a poorly soluble drug; its oral administration is associated with a significant problem: Myopathy. The present study aims to formulate SV microsponges that have the potential to minimize the myotoxicity accompanying the oral administration of the drug. SV microsponges were prepared by exploiting the emulsion solvent evaporation technique. The % entrapment efficiency (%EE) of the drug approached 82.54 ± 1.27%, the mean particle size of SV microsponges ranged from 53.80 ± 6.35 to 86.03 ± 4.79 µm in diameter, and the % cumulative drug release (%CDR) of SV from microsponges was significantly higher than that from free drug dispersion much more, the specific surface area of the optimized microsponges formulation was found to be 16.6 m²/g revealed the porosity of prepared microsponges. Histological and glycogen histochemical studies in the skeletal muscles of male albino rats revealed that microsponges were safer than free SV in minimizing myotoxicity. These findings were proven by Gene expression of Mitochondrial fusion and fission (Mfn1) & (Fis1) and (Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma co-activator 1α) PGC-1α. Finally, our study ascertained that SV microsponges significantly decreased the myotoxicity of SV.

Challenges in the diagnosis and management of immune-mediated necrotising myopathy (IMNM) in a patient on long-term statins

Immune-mediated necrotising myopathy (IMNM) is a severe and poorly understood complication of statin use. Prompt management with immunosuppressive treatment is often needed to control the condition, which differs from the management of the more commonly recognised statin-induced myopathy. We present a case report and brief review of the literature regarding the pathogenesis, diagnosis, and management of anti-3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A reductase (HMGCR) positive IMNM (HMGCR IMNM). There are no randomised clinical trials, but several smaller studies and cases suggest a triple therapy of corticosteroids, IVIG, and a corticosteroid-sparing immunosuppressant appears efficacious in patients with IMNM and proximal weakness. The mechanism of statin-induced IMNM is uncertain, and this is further complicated by the reports of HMGCR IMNM in statin-naïve patients, including children. We present a case of biopsy-confirmed HMGCR IMNM in a woman taking daily statins for treatment of hypercholesterolaemia for 4 years. She presented with symptoms consistent with a urinary tract infection (UTI), including muscle weakness. She was treated as an isolated case of UTI. One month later, she presented again with worsening weakness in her shoulders and hips. Creatine kinase was elevated, and MRI showed increased signal with STIR sequences in both thighs. Anti-HMGCR was positive and leg biopsy-confirmed necrotising changes. Stopping her statin prescription and a short course of prednisolone did not improve her muscle weakness. Adding methotrexate resulted in eventual resolution of her symptoms. IMNM should be considered as a differential in any patient taking statins presenting with muscle weakness, and this case suggests that immunosuppressant therapy in addition to cessation of statins is effective at treating IMNM. Clinical trials are needed to further investigate the efficacy of different combinations of immunosuppressants.

Frequency of functional exonic single-nucleotide polymorphisms and haplotype distribution in the SLCO1B1 gene across genetic ancestry groups in the Qatari population

Organic anion transporting polypeptides (OATP), which are encoded by SLCO genes, participate in the hepatic elimination of drugs and xenobiotics. SLCO1B1 is an important pharmacogenomic gene (encoding OATP1B1) associated with response to the uptake of endogenous compounds, such as statin and bilirubin. Ethnicity of the patient modulates the response to these drugs; the frequency and haplotype data for SLCO1B1 genetic variants in the Arab population is lacking. Therefore, we determined the frequencies of two well-characterized SLCO1B1 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) and haplotypes that affect the OATP1B1 drugs transportation activity in Qatari population. Genotyping data for two SLCO1B1 SNPs (c.388A > G, c.521 T > C) were extracted from whole exome data of 1050 Qatari individuals, who were divided into three ancestry groups, namely Bedouins, Persians/South Asians, and Africans. By way of using Fisher's exact and Chi-square tests, we evaluated the differences in minor allele frequency (MAF) of the two functional SNPs and haplotype frequencies (HF) among the three ancestry groups. The OATP1B1 phenotypes were assigned according to their function by following the guidelines from the Clinical Pharmacogenetics Implementation Consortium for SLCO1B1 and Simvastatin-Induced Myopathy.The MAF of SLCO1B1:c.388A > G was higher compared to that of SLCO1B1:c.521 T > C in the study cohort. It was significantly high in the African ancestry group compared with the other two groups, whereas SLCO1B1:c.521 T > C was significantly low in the African ancestry group compared with the other two groups. The SLCO1B1 *15 haplotype had the highest HF, followed by *1b, *1a, and *5. Only the SLCO1B1 *5 haplotype showed no significant difference in frequency across the three ancestry groups. Furthermore, we observed that the OATP1B1 normal function phenotype accounted for 58% of the Qatari individuals, the intermediate function phenotype accounted for 35% with significant differences across the ancestry groups, and the low function phenotype accounted for 6% of the total Qatari individuals with a higher trend observed in the Bedouin group.The results indicate that the phenotype frequencies of the OATP1B1 intermediate and low function in the Qatari population appear at the higher end of the frequency range seen worldwide. Thus, a pharmacogenetic screening program for SLCO1B1 variants may be necessary for the Qatari population.

Wuwei Qingzhuo San Ameliorates Hyperlipidemia in Mice Fed With HFD by Regulating Metabolomics and Intestinal Flora Composition

Hyperlipidemia is one of the most common metabolic disorders that threaten people’s health. Wuwei Qingzhuo San (WQS) is a traditional Mongolian medicine prescription, which is widely used in Mongolia for the treatment of hyperlipidemia. Our previous studies found that it has hypolipidemic and hepatoprotective effects on hyperlipidemic hamsters. However, the underlying lipid-lowering mechanisms of WQS and its relationship with intestinal flora are not yet clear. In this study, 16 S rRNA gene sequencing and metabolomics were performed to investigate the action mechanism of WQS on hyperlipidemic mice induced by a high-fat diet (HFD). As a result, metabolic pathway enrichment analysis revealed that the intervention of WQS had obviously modulated the metabolism of α-linolenic acid and linoleic acid and the biosynthesis of bile acids. 16 S rRNA sequencing showed that WQS had altered the composition of the intestinal microbiota in hyperlipidemic mice fed with HFD and, especially, adjusted the relative abundance ratio of Firmicutes/Bacteroides. These findings provide new evidence that WQS can improve HFD-induced hyperlipidemia by regulating metabolic disorders and intestinal flora imbalance.

Oral Supplement Containing Hydroxytyrosol and Punicalagin Improves Dyslipidemia in an Adult Population without Co-Adjuvant Treatment: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Controlled and Crossover Trial

Hydroxytyrosol (HT) and punicalagin (PC) exert cardioprotective and antiatherosclerotic effects. This study evaluated the effect of an oral supplement containing HT and PC (SAx) on dyslipidemia in an adult population. A randomized, double-blind, controlled, crossover trial was conducted over a 20-week period. SAx significantly reduced the plasma levels of triglycerides (TG) in subjects with hypertriglyceridemia (≥150 mg/dL) (from 200.67 ± 51.38 to 155.33 ± 42.44 mg/dL; p < 0.05), while no such effects were observed in these subjects after the placebo. SAx also significantly decreased the plasma levels of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) in subjects with high plasma levels of LDL-C (≥160 mg/dL) (from 179.13 ± 16.18 to 162.93 ± 27.05 mg/dL; p < 0.01), while no such positive effect was observed with the placebo. In addition, the placebo significantly reduced the plasma levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) in the total population (from 64.49 ± 12.65 to 62.55 ± 11.57 mg/dL; p < 0.05), while SAx significantly increased the plasma levels of HDL-C in subjects with low plasma levels of HDL-C (<50 mg/dL) (from 44.25 ± 3.99 to 48.00 ± 7.27 mg/dL; p < 0.05). In conclusion, the supplement containing HT and PC exerted antiatherosclerotic and cardio-protective effects by considerably improving dyslipidemia in an adult population, without co-adjuvant treatment or adverse effects.

Prevalence of Self-Reported Muscle Pain Among Statin Users From National Guard Hospital, Riyadh

Background

Statin, a hydroxymethylglutaryl-coenzyme A reductase inhibitor, is one of the commonly used lipid-lowering drugs that is used for lowering lipid levels in the body. Muscle pain is a commonly reported adverse effect of statins, yet little is known about the prevalence of muscle pain and statin use in the general population.

Methods

The cross-sectional study was conducted in National Guard Hospital, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. All study subjects were adult statin users aged 18 years old or above. A total of 313 patients were included in the study. The study was conducted based on a questionnaire distributed among patients according to inclusion and exclusion criteria.

Results

Among 313 statin users, patients underwent cardiac catheterization (39, 12.5%), stress test (62; 19.8%), percutaneous coronary intervention (three; 1.0%), and coronary artery bypass graft (six, 1.9%), while 203 patients didn’t have any intervention (64.9%). Most of the study subjects were on atorvastatin (139; 44.4%).

The prevalence of muscle pain was 73.5%; 95% CI = (68.4% - 78.1%). The most common sites of pain were lower limb pain (160; 51.1%), upper limb pain (145; 46.3%), and trunk pain (96; 30.7%). The common types of pain were joint pain (52; 16.6%), muscle weakness (51; 16.3%), muscle aches (43; 13.7%), and muscle cramps (41; 13.1%); and patients who reported that they stopped statin at some point because of muscle pain were 92 (29.4%).

Conclusion

Statins are important for managing and preventing ischemic heart diseases. Our study found that muscle pain is highly associated with statin use with a prevalence of 73.5%, which causes many patients to tend to stop taking their medication. Therefore, preventing the side effects by adjusting the proper dose or switching to another type of statin for high-risk patients will help them to continue using the drug. Also, it is important to rule out secondary causes of myopathy such as physical activity, fracture, thyroid dysfunction, or infection.

Association between statin use and physical performance in home-dwelling older patients receiving polypharmacy: cross-sectional study

Background

In older patients with polypharmacy and multiple comorbidities, even low grades of statin-associated muscle symptoms may have clinical implications. The aim of this study was therefore to investigate the potential associations between statin use and measures of physical performance and muscle function.

Methods

Participants were aged 70+, treated with at least seven regular systemic medications, and not expected to die or become institutionalized within 6 months. Physical performance measured as gait speed and Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) score, and muscle function measured as grip strength, were compared between users and non-users of statins. In the subgroup of statin users, the dose-response relationship was assessed using harmonized simvastatin equivalents adjusted for statin potency, pharmacokinetic interactions and SLCO1B1 c.521 T > C genotype. Multiple linear regression analyses were applied to investigate potential associations between stain use and exposure as independent variables, and physical performance and muscle function as outcomes, adjusted for age, gender, body mass, comorbidity, disability and dementia.

Results

174 patients (87 users and 87 non-users of statins) with a mean (SD) age of 83.3 (7.3) years were included. In analyses adjusted only for gender, grip strength was significantly higher in users than in non-users of statins [regression coefficient (B) 2.7, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.0 to 4.4]. When adjusted for confounders, the association was no longer statistically significant (B 1.1, 95% CI − 0.5 to 2.7). SPPB and gait speed was also better in statin users than in non-users, but the differences were not statistically significant. In dose-response analyses adjusted for confounders, we found a statistically significant increase in SPPB score (B 0.01, 95% CI 0.00 to 0.02) and gait speed (B 0.001, 95% CI 0.000 to 0.002) per mg increase in simvastatin equivalents.

Conclusions

In contrast to our hypothesis, statin use and exposure was associated with better measures of physical performance and muscle function in older patients with complex drug treatment. The unexpected findings of this cross-sectional, observational study should be further investigated by comparing physical performance before and after statin initiation or statin withdrawal in prospective studies.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT02379455, registered March 5, 2015.

Management of Hypercholesterolemia Through Dietary ß-glucans–Insights From a Zebrafish Model

Consumption of lipid-rich foods can increase the blood cholesterol content. β-glucans have hypocholesterolemic effect. However, subtle changes in their molecular branching can influence bioactivity. Therefore, a comparative investigation of the cholesterol-lowering potential of two β-glucans with different branching patterns and a cholesterol-lowering drug, namely simvastatin was undertaken employing the zebrafish (Danio rerio) model of diet-induced hypercholesterolemia. Fish were allocated to 5 dietary treatments; a control group, a high cholesterol group, two β-glucan groups, and a simvastatin group. We investigated plasma total cholesterol, LDL and HDL cholesterol levels, histological changes in the tissues, and explored intestinal transcriptomic changes induced by the experimental diets. Dietary cholesterol likely caused the suppression of endogenous cholesterol biosynthesis, induced dysfunction of endoplasmic reticulum and mitochondria, and altered the histomorphology of the intestine. The two β-glucans and simvastatin significantly abated the rise in plasma cholesterol levels and restored the expression of specific genes to alleviate the endoplasmic reticulum-related effects induced by the dietary cholesterol. Furthermore, the distinct patterns of transcriptomic changes in the intestine elicited by the oat and microalga β-glucans impacted processes such as fatty acid metabolism, protein catabolic processes, and nuclear division. Oat and microalgal β-glucans also altered the pattern of lipid deposition in the liver. Our study provides insights into the effectiveness of different β-glucans to alleviate dysfunctions in lipid metabolism caused by dietary cholesterol.

Causes and outcome of rhabdomyolysis in patients admitted to medical wards in the Prince of Wales Hospital

Background

Rhabdomyolysis with a marked elevation of serum creatine kinase (CK) can be caused by various conditions. Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a potential complication of severe rhabdomyolysis and leads to a rapid increase in serum creatinine.

Methods

This study was performed to identify medical cases diagnosed with rhabdomyolysis and to examine the likely causes. Patients diagnosed with rhabdomyolysis during admission to the medical wards of Prince of Wales Hospital (PWH) in Hong Kong from January 1, 2004 to May 31, 2012 were identified by searching computer records. Details of hospital admissions were retrieved, and the underlying causes of the rhabdomyolysis and clinical outcomes were analyzed.

Results

There were 95 Chinese patients with a median age of 72 years (range, 22–92 years) assigned a diagnosis of rhabdomyolysis. A mild degree of AKI was defined as an increase of serum creatinine more than 20% above the baseline value before onset of acute illness and with the highest creatinine greater than 120 µmol/L. Mild AKI was identified in 63 patients. Rhabdomyolysis appeared to contribute to a fatal outcome in eight patients who had multiple preexisting morbidities. The maximum CK had a median value of 9,829 U/L (range, 472–258,100 U/L). Twelve patients with peak CK levels <10× the upper limit of normal (ULN) may not have had rhabdomyolysis by this standard definition. Of the remaining 83 patients with maximum CK values >10× the ULN, the most common contributing factors were trauma (n=19) and infection (n=17). Other common underlying causes included drug abuse (heroin and alcohol) and ischemia/immobility.

Conclusions

Most patients recovered with appropriate medical interventions and had a median hospital stay of 13 days. One patient was thought to have drug-related rhabdomyolysis due to taking bezafibrate during an episode of renal impairment.

The Risk of Muscular Events Among New Users of Hydrophilic and Lipophilic Statins: an Observational Cohort Study

BACKGROUND

Statins are effective lipid-lowering drugs for the prevention of cardiovascular disease, but muscular adverse events can limit their use. Hydrophilic statins (pravastatin, rosuvastatin) may cause less muscular events than lipophilic statins (e.g. simvastatin, atorvastatin) due to lower passive diffusion into muscle cells.

OBJECTIVE

To compare the risk of muscular events between statins at comparable lipid-lowering doses and to evaluate if hydrophilic statins are associated with a lower muscular risk than lipophilic statins.

DESIGN/SETTING

Propensity score-matched cohort study using data from the United Kingdom-based Clinical Practice Research Datalink (CPRD) GOLD.

PATIENTS

New statin users. Cohort 1: pravastatin 20-40 mg (hydrophilic) vs simvastatin 10-20 mg (lipophilic), cohort 2: rosuvastatin 5-40 mg (hydrophilic) vs atorvastatin 10-80 mg (lipophilic), and cohort 3: simvastatin 40-80 mg vs atorvastatin 10-20 mg.

MAIN MEASURES

The outcome was a first record of a muscular event (myopathy, myalgia, myositis, rhabdomyolysis) during a maximum follow-up of 1 year.

KEY RESULTS

The propensity score-matched cohorts consisted of 1) 9,703, 2) 7,032, and 3) 37,743 pairs of statin users. Comparing the risk of muscular events between low-intensity pravastatin vs low-intensity simvastatin yielded a HR of 0.86 (95% CI 0.64-1.16). In the comparison of moderate- to high-intensity rosuvastatin vs equivalent doses of atorvastatin, we observed a HR of 1.17 (95% CI 0.88-1.56). Moderate- to high-intensity simvastatin was associated with a HR of 1.33 (95% CI 1.16-1.53), when compared with atorvastatin at equivalent doses.

LIMITATIONS

We could not conduct other pairwise comparisons of statins due to small sample size. In the absence of a uniform definition on the comparability of statin doses, the applied dose ratios may not fully match with all literature sources.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results do not suggest a systematically lower risk of muscular events for hydrophilic statins when compared to lipophilic statins at comparable lipid-lowering doses.

Glycosaminoglycan from Ostrea rivularis attenuates hyperlipidemia and regulates gut microbiota in high-cholesterol diet-fed zebrafish

Hyperlipidemia an immense group of acquired or genetic metabolic disorders that is characterized by an excess of lipids in the bloodstream. Altogether, they have a high prevalence worldwide and constitute a major threat to human health. Glycosaminoglycans (GAG) are natural biomolecules that have hypolipidemic activity. The purpose of this study was to investigate the potential hypolipidemic effect of glycosaminoglycans extracted from Ostrea rivularis (OGAG) on hyperlipidemic zebrafish, as well as the possible underlying mechanism of such effect. Dietary supplementation with OGAG during 4 weeks significantly reduced the serum and hepatic lipid levels and the hepatosomatic index in hyperlipidemic zebrafish. In addition, histopathological showed that OGAG supplementation decreases the volume and number of lipid droplets in hepatocytes. Transcriptome and real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction analysis revealed that the gene expression levels of PPARγ, SCD, HMGRA, ACAT2, HMGCS, and HMGCR were significantly downregulated by OGAG treatment in hepatocytes, whereas those of CD36, FABP2, FABP6, ABCG5, and CYP7A1 were significantly upregulated. This suggests that the hypolipidemic effect of OGAG relies on increasing the ketogenic metabolism of fatty acids, inhibiting cholesterol synthesis, and enhancing the transformation of cholesterol to bile acid. Furthermore, OGAG treatment improved gut microbiota imbalance by reducing the Firmicutes-to-Bacteroidetes ratio, increasing the relative abundance of beneficial bacteria (Bacteroidetes, Verrucomicrobia, Acidobacteria, and Sphingomonas), and reducing the relative abundance of harmful bacteria (Proteobacteria, Cohaesibacter, Vibrio, and Terrisporobacter). These findings highlight the potential benefit of implementing OGAG as a dietary supplement to prevent and treat hyperlipidemia.

Natural Compounds Attenuate Denervation-Induced Skeletal Muscle Atrophy

The weight of skeletal muscle accounts for approximately 40% of the whole weight in a healthy individual, and the normal metabolism and motor function of the muscle are indispensable for healthy life. In addition, the skeletal muscle of the maxillofacial region plays an important role not only in eating and swallowing, but also in communication, such as facial expressions and conversations. In recent years, skeletal muscle atrophy has received worldwide attention as a serious health problem. However, the mechanism of skeletal muscle atrophy that has been clarified at present is insufficient, and a therapeutic method against skeletal muscle atrophy has not been established. This review provides views on the importance of skeletal muscle in the maxillofacial region and explains the differences between skeletal muscles in the maxillofacial region and other regions. We summarize the findings to change in gene expression in muscle remodeling and emphasize the advantages and disadvantages of denervation-induced skeletal muscle atrophy model. Finally, we discuss the newly discovered beneficial effects of natural compounds on skeletal muscle atrophy.

Rosuvastatin and Colchicine combined myotoxicity: lessons to be learnt

Statins and colchicine co-administration consists of a potentially catastrophic drug-drug interaction since it provokes myotoxicity, myopathy and various degrees of rhabdomyolysis. Lipophilic statins and colchicine are biotransformed in the liver, primarily via CYP3A4 enzyme system leading to elevated blood levels of both agents and resulting in increased potential for combined myotoxicity. Hence, it would be of great clinical importance not only the awareness of this devastating complication but also the more advantageous type of statin that we should choose to achieve the recommended therapeutic goals regarding LDL levels with minimal myopathy risk. Therefore, once colchicine's use is commenced, a hydrophilic statin selection, such as rosuvastatin, seems favorable regarding the risk of myotoxicity. Herein, we aim to describe a patient with chronic kidney disease stage III and nephrotic syndrome that developed acute rhabdomyolysis soon after the administration of rosuvastatin while receiving colchicine. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of the combined effect of rosuvastatin and colchicine in the setting of chronic kidney disease leading to myotoxicity.

A systematic review and meta-analysis of genotype-based and individualized data analysis of SLCO1B1 gene and statin-induced myopathy

This meta-analysis was conducted to determine the genotypic effects of rs4149056 and rs2306283 polymorphism in SLCO1B1 gene on myopathy in patients with statin. Studies were searched using multiple databases and selected following inclusion criteria. Two reviewers independently performed data extraction and assessments for risk of bias. Fixed-or-random-effect was applied to pool allele frequency/effects. Mixed-effect logit model was used to pool genotypic effects using individual patient data. Heterogeneity and publication bias were explored. Fourteen studies were pooled for rs4149056; the minor C allele frequency were 15% in Caucasians and 14% in Asians. Six studies were pooled for rs2306283; the minor G allele frequency was 34% in Caucasian and 75% in Asians. Genotypic effects of rs4149056 polymorphism in Caucasians indicated that statin users who carried CC and TC genotypes had a significantly higher risk of myopathy than those who carried TT genotype, with a pooled odds ratio (OR) of 2.9 (95% confidence interval, 1.59, 5.34) and 1.6 (1.20, 2.16), respectively. For subgroup analysis, CC and TC genotypes also suggested a higher risk of myopathy in simvastatin users [OR = 2.8 (1.17, 6.77) and OR = 1.8 (1.15, 2.77), respectively] and in atorvastatin users [OR = 4.0 (1.23, 12.63) and OR = 2.0 (1.11, 3.52), respectively] than those who carried TT genotype. There was no significant association between rs2306283 polymorphism and myopathy in Caucasians and Asians. There was no evidence of publication bias for both polymorphisms.

Myositis - A common but underreported adverse effect of osimertinib: Case series and review of the literature

BACKGROUND

Lung cancer is the second most common cancer in both men and women and the leading cause of cancer death worldwide. The development of novel tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) represented a paradigm shift in the management of lung cancer and has resulted in markedly prolonged survival. Osimertinib is a TKI that was fast-tracked by the United States Food and Drug Administration in 2015 and subsequently approved for the treatment of metastatic epidermal growth factor receptor T790M mutation-positive non-small cell lung cancer. However, despite the generally favorable outcomes associated with osimertinib, rapid development and deployment of any new drug increases the risk of unforeseen adverse effects. Post-marketing surveillance studies therefore play an important role in further elucidating the risks and benefits of novel anti-neoplastic agents.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

We describe four patients with non-small cell lung cancer who developed myositis after beginning treatment with osimertinib. In addition, we review the literature on osimertinib-associated myositis. Using PubMed, the following terms were searched and relevant citations assessed: creatine phosphokinase, myositis, osimertinib, rhabdomyolysis, osimertinib, and Tagrisso.

CASE PRESENTATION

Thirty-eight patients were treated with osimertinib in our community clinic. Four with non-small cell lung cancer developed myositis after beginning treatment. The onset of symptoms and/or elevation of creatine phosphokinase occurred between two weeks and eleven months after osimertinib was initiated. Alternative causes for myositis were not identified. In two patients, myositis resolved within one month of withdrawing treatment. Two other patients continued osimertinib treatment with close monitoring.

CONCLUSION

Myositis is a serious and potentially underreported adverse effect of osimertinib. Previous studies suggest that osimertinib-associated myositis is rare, occurring in less than 1% of patients. However, myositis occurred in over 10% of patients treated with osimertinib in our clinic population. We suggest regular monitoring for myositis among patients being treated with osimertinib and dose-reduction or cessation of treatment if clinically indicated.

Genetic Variations and Frequencies of the Two Functional Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms of SLCO1B1 in the Thai Population

Aim

To investigate the variations and the frequencies of the SLCO1B1 gene in the Thai population.

Methods

Collected samples were categorized into five regions of Thailand. DNA samples were genotyped for two variants, c.388A>G and c.521T>C of the SLCO1B1, using TaqMan^® real-time PCR.

Results

The minor allele frequencies (MAFs) of two single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were not significantly different among the five regions. The most frequent haplotype was SLCO1B1*1b (frequency: 0.654), followed by *1a (frequency: 0.217), *15 (frequency: 0.128), and *5 (frequency: 0.001). We observed a similar frequency of OATP1B1 transporter phenotypes compared to other populations. 75.85% of the Thai subjects showed normal OATP1B1 activity, 22.5% showed intermediate OATP1B1 activity, and 1.58% showed low OATP1B1 activity.

Conclusion

This study reported the frequencies of the SLCO1B1 variants and the subsequent OATP1B1 activity in a large cohort of Thais that can provide important information for the guidance of personalized drug therapy.

A "crush" course on rhabdomyolysis: risk stratification and clinical management update for the perioperative clinician

Rhabdomyolysis, the release of myoglobin and other cellular breakdown products from necrotic muscle tissue, is seen in patients with crush injuries, drug overdose, malignant hyperthermia, muscular dystrophy, and with increasing frequency in obese patients undergoing routine procedures. For the perioperative clinician, managing the resultant shock, hyperkalemia, acidosis, and myoglobinuric acute kidney injury can present a significant challenge. Prompt recognition, hydration, and correction of metabolic disturbances may reduce or eliminate the need for long-term renal replacement therapy. This article reviews the pathophysiology and discusses key issues in the perioperative diagnosis, risk stratification, and management of rhabdomyolysis.

Alpha lipoic acid and vitamin E improve atorvastatin-induced mitochondrial dysfunctions in rats

To determine the effects of alpha lipoic acid (ALA) and vitamin E (Vit E) on mitochondrial dysfunction caused by statins. A total of 38 Wistar Albino rats were used in this study. The control group received dimethyl sulfoxide. The atorvastatin (A) group received atorvastatin (10 mg/kg). The A + ALA group received atorvastatin (10 mg/kg) and ALA (100 mg/kg). The A + Vit E group was administered atorvastatin (10 mg/kg) and Vit E (100 mg/kg). The A + ALA + Vit E group was administered atorvastatin (10 mg/kg), ALA (100 mg/kg) and Vit E (100 mg/kg). All applications were administered simultaneously by gavage for 20 days. ATP level and complex I activity were measured from liver, muscle, heart, kidney and brain. Atorvastatin significantly decreased the ATP levels in heart and kidney, while a slight decrease was seen in liver, muscle and brain. Atorvastatin caused an insignificant decrease in the complex I activity in all tissues examined. ALA administration significantly improved the ATP levels in the liver, heart and kidney, while Vit E improved the ATP levels in all tissues except the muscle compared to Atorvastatin group. Single administration of both ALA and vit E ameliorated complex I activity in the muscle, heart, kidney and brain. The combination of ALA and Vit E significantly improved the ATP levels in the liver, heart, kidney and brain and also provided significant improvements the complex I activity in all tissues. The undesirable effects of Atorvastatin on mitochondrial functions in this study ameliorated by using ALA and/or Vit E alone and in combination.

Coexistence of anti-Jo1 and anti-signal recognition particle antibodies in a polymyositis patient

Idiopathic inflammatory myopathies are a heterogeneous group of potentially treatable myopathies. They are classified, on the basis of clinical and histopathological features, into four subtypes: dermatomyositis, polymyositis, necrotizing autoimmune myositis and inclusion-body myositis. Myositis-associated antibodies and myositis-specific autoantibodies are frequently found in patients with idiopathic inflammatory myopathies, and are useful in the diagnosis and classification. Anti-histidyl transfer RNA synthetase antibody is the most widely prevalent and is highly specific for polymyositis. Signal recognition particle antibody is also a specific autoantibody for polymyositis, but it is infrequent and rarely found in patients having other myositis-specific autoantibodies. We present a man with polymyositis who had both antibodies in serum, which is considered an extremely rare clinical situation. Here we analyze the clinical course and findings, and examine the effect of the coexistence and possible interaction on prognosis.

Mitophagy protects against statin-mediated skeletal muscle toxicity

The deleterious effects of statins on skeletal muscle are well known, but the mechanism associated with these effects remains unresolved. Statins are associated with mitochondrial damage, which may contribute to muscle myopathy. Here we demonstrate that simvastatin induces mitophagy in skeletal muscle cells and hypothesized that attenuating this process by silencing the mitophagy adapter p62/sequestosome-1 (SQSTM1) might mitigate myotoxicity. Surprisingly, silencing p62/SQSTM1 in differentiated C2C12 muscle cells exacerbated rather than attenuated myotoxicity. This inhibition of mitophagy in the face of statin challenge correlated with increased release of cytochrome c to the cytosol, activation of caspase-3, and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release. Correspondingly, targeted knockdown of Parkin, a canonical E3 ubiquitin ligase important for mitophagy, mirrored the effects of p62/SQSTM1 silencing. To corroborate these findings in vivo, we treated Parkin knockout mice with simvastatin for 2 wk. In line with our findings in vitro, these mitophagy-compromised mice displayed reduced spontaneous activity, loss of grip strength, and increased circulating levels of muscle damage marker LDH. Our findings demonstrate that mitophagy is an important mechanism to resist statin-induced skeletal muscle damage.-Ramesh, M., Campos, J. C., Lee, P., Song, Y., Hernandez, G., Sin, J., Tucker, K. C., Saadaeijahromi, H., Gurney, M., Ferreira, J. C. B., Andres, A. M. Mitophagy protects against statin-mediated skeletal muscle toxicity.

Untreated primary hypothyroidism with simultaneous rhabdomyolysis, pericardial effusion, and sudden sensorineural hearing loss: a case report

BACKGROUND

Hypothyroidism, one of the prevalent endocrine disorders worldwide, has a broad spectrum of clinical manifestations, from an asymptomatic condition to myxedema coma. Although the majority of patients with hypothyroidism have minor clinical symptoms, which are recovered with levothyroxine treatment, some patients occasionally do experience fatal complications. Here we report, for the first time, the case of a patient who had hypothyroidism with simultaneous occurrence of rhabdomyolysis with acute kidney injury, moderate pericardial effusion, and sudden sensorineural hearing loss.

CASE PRESENTATION

A 57-year-old man with a previous history of dyslipidemia and untreated hypothyroidism was admitted to the hospital due to shortness of breath, lethargy, lower extremity discomfort, and unilateral hearing loss. Laboratory results revealed rhabdomyolysis with acute kidney injury and severe hypothyroidism. We detected cardiomegaly without lung parenchymal infiltration on chest radiography and moderate pericardial effusion on transthoracic echocardiography. We performed pure tone audiometry and identified profound unilateral sensorineural hearing loss. Aggressive fluid resuscitation, levothyroxine treatment, and systemic and intratympanic steroid therapy alleviated the patient's severe hypothyroidism, rhabdomyolysis, and pericardial effusion; however, sensorineural hearing loss was not fully recovered.

CONCLUSIONS

Early recognition of life-threatening complications is important in patients with severe hypothyroidism to prevent adverse outcomes. This case suggests that hypothyroidism should be considered in patients who have rhabdomyolysis with acute kidney disease and pericardial effusion. Moreover, sudden sensorineural hearing loss should be kept in mind as a rare complication of hypothyroidism.

A novel investigation of statins myotoxic mechanism: effect of atorvastatin on respiratory muscles in hypoxic environment

Myopathy is a well-known adverse effect of statins, affecting a large sector of statins users. The reported experimental data emphasized on mechanistic study of statin myopathy on large muscles. Clinically, both large muscles and respiratory muscles are reported to be involved in the myotoxic profile of statins. However, the experimental data investigating the myopathic mechanism on respiratory muscles are still lacking. The present work aimed to study the effect of atorvastatin treatment on respiratory muscles using rat isolated hemidiaphragm in normoxic & hypoxic conditions. The contractile activity of isolated hemidiaphragm in rats treated with atorvastatin for 21 days was investigated using nerve stimulated technique. Muscle twitches, train of four and tetanic stimulation was measured in normoxic, hypoxic and reoxygenation conditions. Atorvastatin significantly increased the tetanic fade, a measure of muscle fatigability, in hypoxic conditions. Upon reoxygenation, rat hemidiaphragm regains its normal contractile profile. Co-treatment with coenzyme Q10 showed significant improvement in defective diaphragmatic contractility in hypoxic conditions. This work showed that atorvastatin treatment rapidly deteriorates diaphragmatic activity in low oxygen environment. The mitochondrial respiratory dysfunction is probably the mechanism behind such finding. This was supported by the improvement of muscle contractile activity following CoQ10 co-treatment.

Geranylgeraniol-induced Myogenic Differentiation of C2C12 Cells

BACKGROUND

Geranylgeraniol (GGOH) is a C20 isoprenoid found in fruits, vegetables, and grains, including rice. As a food substance, GGOH is categorized as 'Generally Recognized as Safe'. GGOH is an intermediate product in the mevalonate pathway and acts as a precursor to geranylgeranyl pyrophosphate.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

C2C12 mouse myoblasts derived from muscle satellite cells were used. Quantitative reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction, western blotting analysis, and immunocytochemical analysis were performed to respectively assess mRNA expression, protein levels, and the number of myofibers.

RESULTS

GGOH reduced the expression levels of skeletal muscle atrophy-related ubiquitin ligases in myofibers derived from C2C12 cells. GGOH induced myogenic differentiation of C2C12 cells via geranylgeranylation. GGOH did not adversely affect the proliferation of C2C12 cells.

CONCLUSION

GGOH induces myoblast differentiation in C2C12 cells.

Optimizing the Pharmacological Profile of New Bifunctional Antihyperlipidemic/Antioxidant Morpholine Derivatives

Among the causal risk factors directly promoting the development of coronary and peripheral atherosclerosis are reactive oxygen species and elevated low-density lipoprotein plasma levels. We hereby designed new potent squalene synthase (SQS) inhibitors that may simultaneously tackle the oxidative stress induced by lipid peroxidation. Using previously developed morpholine derivatives as a starting point, we conducted extensive structural changes by either substituting or modifying the morpholine ring, aiming at an optimal SQS-antioxidant pharmacological profile. Compounds 2, 3, and 7 emerged as the most potent bifunctional analogues, displaying IC₅₀ values for SQS inhibition of 0.014, 0.16, and 0.51 μΜ, respectively, and further significantly decreasing lipid peroxidation of hepatic microsomal membranes. The aforementioned activities were also confirmed in vivo since the most promising derivative 2 exhibited a remarkable antihyperlipidemic and antioxidant effect. In conclusion, rational drug design accompanied by structure-activity relationship studies led to compounds combining improved antioxidant and antihyperlipidemic activity that may serve as multifunctional agents against atherosclerosis.

Preventable statin adverse reactions and therapy discontinuation. What can we learn from the spontaneous reporting system?

BACKGROUND

Statin treatment is often associated with poor adherence, which may be due to the onset of adverse drug reactions (ADRs). We investigated on potential risk factors related to preventable cases of statin-induced ADRs and to the discontinuation of statin therapy.

METHODS

We performed a study using the database of Italian spontaneous reporting. The target population for the preventability assessment was all patients with suspected statin-induced ADRs deriving from Campania Region (a territory of Southern Italy) between 2012 and 2017. Additionally, a local sentinel surveillance site involving General Practitioners was selected to countercheck in routine clinical practice the role of ADRs for statin discontinuation.

RESULTS

In total, 34 of 655 (5.19%) regional cases were preventable and among detected risk factors 90.0% was related to healthcare professionals' practices and 10.0% to patient behaviour. In 81.4% (533/655) of cases, statin therapy was discontinued due to ADRs, mainly classified as not serious and associated with a positive prognosis. These results were also confirmed in the active sentinel site.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings suggest an inappropriate use of statins among the identified preventable cases and a potential inappropriate statin discontinuation due to ADRs. These factors may be useful for targeting interventions to improve statin adherence.

Atorvastatin inhibits the apoptosis of human umbilical vein endothelial cells induced by angiotensin II via the lysosomal-mitochondrial axis

This study was aimed to evaluate lysosomes-mitochondria cross-signaling in angiotensin II (Ang II)-induced apoptosis of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) and whether atorvastatin played a protective role via lysosomal-mitochondrial axis. Apoptosis was detected by flow cytometry, Hoechst 33342 and AO/EB assay. The temporal relationship of lysosomal and mitochondrial permeabilization was established. Activity of Cathepsin D (CTSD) was suppressed by pharmacological and genetic approaches. Proteins production were measured by western blotting. Our study showed that Ang II could induce the apoptosis of HUVECs in a dose-depended and time-depended manner. Exposure to 1 μM Ang II for 24 h resulted in mitochondrial depolarization, cytochrome c release, and increased ROS production. Lysosomal permeabilization and CTSD redistribution into the cytoplasm occurred several hours prior to mitochondrial dysfunction. These effects were all suppressed by atorvastatin. Either pharmacological or genetic inhibition of CTSD preserved mitochondrial function and decreased apoptosis in HUVECs. Most importantly, we found that the protective effect of atorvastatin was significantly greater than pharmacological or genetic inhibition of CTSD. Finally, overexpression of CTSD without exposure to Ang II had no effect on mitochondrial function and apoptosis. Our data strongly suggested that Ang II induced apoptosis through the lysosomal-mitochondrial axis in HUVECs. Furthermore, atorvastatin played an important role in the regulation of lysosomes and mitochondria stability, resulting in an antagonistic role against Ang II on HUVECs.

A common missense variant of LILRB5 is associated with statin intolerance and myalgia

Aims

A genetic variant in LILRB5 (leukocyte immunoglobulin-like receptor subfamily-B) (rs12975366: T > C: Asp247Gly) has been reported to be associated with lower creatine phosphokinase (CK) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) levels. Both biomarkers are released from injured muscle tissue, making this variant a potential candidate for susceptibility to muscle-related symptoms. We examined the association of this variant with statin intolerance ascertained from electronic medical records in the GoDARTS study.

Methods and results

In the GoDARTS cohort, the LILRB5 Asp247 variant was associated with statin intolerance (SI) phenotypes; one defined as having raised CK and being non-adherent to therapy [odds ratio (OR) 1.81; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.34-2.45] and the other as being intolerant to the lowest approved dose of a statin before being switched to two or more other statins (OR 1.36; 95% CI: 1.07-1.73). Those homozygous for Asp247 had increased odds of developing both definitions of intolerance. Importantly the second definition did not rely on CK elevations. These results were replicated in adjudicated cases of statin-induced myopathy in the PREDICTION-ADR consortium (OR1.48; 95% CI: 1.05-2.10) and for the development of myalgia in the JUPITER randomized clinical trial of rosuvastatin (OR1.35, 95% CI: 1.10-1.68). A meta-analysis across the studies showed a consistent association between Asp247Gly and outcomes associated with SI (OR1.34; 95% CI: 1.16-1.54).

Conclusion

This study presents a novel immunogenetic factor associated with statin intolerance, an important risk factor for cardiovascular outcomes. The results suggest that true statin-induced myalgia and non-specific myalgia are distinct, with a potential role for the immune system in their development. We identify a genetic group that is more likely to be intolerant to their statins.

Evaluation of Potentially Drug-Related Patient-Reported Common Symptoms Assessed During Clinical Medication Reviews: A Cross-Sectional Observational Study

Introduction

Healthcare professionals tend to consider common non-alarming drug-related symptoms to be of little clinical relevance. However, such symptoms can have a substantial impact on the individual patient. Insight into patient-reported symptoms could aid pharmacists to identify improvements in medication treatment, for instance in the patient interview at the start of a clinical medication review (CMR).

Objective

The objectives of this study were to describe the numbers and types of patient-reported symptoms assessed during a CMR and to elucidate their potential association with the drugs in use.

Methods

This observational study was performed using data from a clinical trial on patient-reported outcomes of CMRs. Patients taking at least five drugs and who were eligible for a CMR were selected by 15 community pharmacies. Patients were asked to fill in a structured instrument, the Patient Reported Outcome Measure, Inquiry into Side Effects (PROMISE). Among other domains, this instrument offers a list of 22 symptom categories to report symptoms and their relationship with the drugs in use. The results of the PROMISE instrument together with information on patients’ actual drug use were available for analysis. Besides descriptive analysis, associations with side effects as listed in the summary of product characteristics (SPC) of the drugs in use were assessed with logistic regression analysis.

Results

Of the 180 patients included, 168 patients (93.3%) reported at least one symptom via the PROMISE instrument, which could be discussed with the pharmacist during the patient interview. In total, the patients reported 1102 symptoms in 22 symptom categories. Of these patients, 101 (56.1%) assumed that at one or more of the symptoms experienced were related to the drugs in use and 107 (59.4%) reported at least one symptom that corresponded to a ‘very common’ side effect listed in the SPC of a drug in use. Each additional drug in use with a specific symptom listed as a ‘very common’ side effect in its SPC statistically significantly increased the probability of a patient reporting the symptoms of ‘dry mouth/thirst, mouth complaints’, ‘constipation’, ‘diarrhoea’ and ‘sweating’.

Conclusion

Many patient-reported symptoms and symptoms potentially related to drugs in use were identified by administering the PROMISE instrument to users of at least five drugs being taking long-term. This information can be used in CMRs to improve patients’ drug therapy.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1007/s40264-017-0504-7) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Aggressive and fatal statin-induced dermatomyositis: a case report

Statins are widely used and are currently the state-of-the-art treatment for primary and secondary prevention of cardiovascular disease. Although statins are generally well tolerated and present an excellent safety profile, adverse effects from muscle toxicity may occur in some patients. Statin-induced dermatomyositis (DM) is a rare adverse event associated with its use and very few fatal cases have been reported. We present the case of a 69-year-old man with early onset DM precipitated by a small dose of simvastatin. Despite immediate cessation of the agent and the use of systemic corticosteroids, the case took a very aggressive and fatal course. Such progression is extremely unusual for statin-induced DM. Despite the safety of statins, we highlight the importance of identifying potential side effects associated with this class of medications. We also emphasize the importance of correct diagnosis and close follow-up of patients with statin side effects.

The Risk of Achilles or Biceps Tendon Rupture in New Statin Users: A Propensity Score-Matched Sequential Cohort Study

INTRODUCTION

Case reports and pharmacovigilance data reported cases of tendon ruptures in statin users, but evidence from observational studies is scarce and inconclusive. We aimed to assess the association between new statin use and tendon rupture.

METHODS

We performed a propensity score (PS)-matched sequential cohort study, using data from the Clinical Practice Research Datalink. Patients aged ≥45 years with at least one new statin prescription between 1995 and 2014 were PS-matched within 2-year entry blocks to patients without a statin prescription during the block. We followed patients until they had a recorded Achilles or biceps tendon rupture, completed 5 years of follow-up, or were censored for change in exposure status or another censoring criterion. We calculated hazard ratios (HRs) with 95 % confidence intervals (CIs), applying Cox proportional hazard analyses in the overall cohort (crude and multivariable) and in the PS-matched cohort. We performed subgroup analyses by sex, age, treatment duration, and statin dose.

RESULTS

We observed a crude HR of 1.32 (95 % CI 1.21-1.44) in the overall cohort, which attenuated after multivariable adjustment (HR 1.02, 95 % CI 0.92-1.12) and after PS-matching (HR 0.95, 95 % CI 0.84-1.08). Crude HRs were higher in women than in men, but remained around null in both sexes after multivariable adjustment and PS-matching. Subgroup analyses by age, treatment duration, and statin dose revealed null results across all subgroups.

CONCLUSION

The results of this cohort study suggest that statin use does not increase the risk of tendon rupture, irrespective of gender, age, statin dose, or treatment duration.

Patient-reported common symptoms as an assessment of interventions in medication reviews: a randomised, controlled trial

Background A 'Patient-Reported Outcome Measure, Inquiry into Side Effects' (PROMISE) instrument was developed for patients to report common symptoms in clinical medication reviews. Objective To determine changes in patient-reported drug-associated symptoms collected by PROMISE before and after community pharmacist-led clinical medication reviews compared with usual care. Setting Community pharmacies in the Netherlands. Methods Patients were randomised into an intervention group (IG) and a control group (CG). PROMISE was used to collect symptoms experienced during the previous month, and any suspected drug-associated symptoms from both groups at baseline and at follow-up after 3 months. IG patients received a one-time clinical medication review, while CG patients received usual care. Main outcome measure Mean number of drug-associated symptoms at follow-up. Results Measurements were completed by 78 IG and 67 CG patients from 15 community pharmacies. Mean numbers of drug-associated symptoms per patient at follow-up were 4.0 in the IG and 5.0 in the CG, with an incident rate ratio between the groups of 0.90 (95% CI 0.62-1.33). Mean numbers of drug-associated symptoms per patient reported at follow-up and persisting since baseline were 2.1 in the IG and 2.6 in the CG, with an incident rate ratio of 0.85 (95% CI 0.43-1.42). The lowest percentages of persisting drug-associated symptoms detected in the IG were 'palpitations' and 'stomach pain, dyspepsia' while in the CG they were 'stomach pain, dyspepsia' and 'trembling, shivering'. Conclusion PROMISE provided meaningful information on drug-associated symptoms in clinical medication reviews, however the number of drug-associated symptoms was not reduced by performing clinical medication reviews compared with usual care.

A case of multiple sclerosis and necrotizing autoimmune myopathy with anti-SRP antibodies

Only few reports exist regarding the coexistence of multiple sclerosis (MS) and autoimmune myopathies. We describe the case of a man with a long history of undiagnosed left lower limb motor impairment who was hospitalized for subacute onset of a myopathic syndrome. In addition, neurological examination revealed sensory impairment and pyramidal signs in the left limbs. Muscle biopsy revealed a necrotizing myopathy and serum anti-signal recognition particle (SRP) antibodies were found. Brain and spinal cord MRI displayed several non-enhancing demyelinating lesions, and CSF-restricted oligoclonal bands were detected. Multimodal evoked potentials showed increased latency of central conduction. Total body PET-CT did not reveal malignancies. A final diagnosis of anti-SRP necrotizing autoimmune myopathy (NAM) and MS was made, and subsequent therapy with azathioprine resulted in a complete stability for both diseases during the follow up. To the best of our knowledge this is the first reported case of concomitant NAM and MS.

Atorvastatin protects the proliferative ability of human umbilical vein endothelial cells inhibited by angiotensin II by changing mitochondrial energy metabolism

This study aimed to explore whether angiotensin II (Ang II) inhibits the proliferation of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) by changing mitochondrial energy metabolism, and whether atorvastatin has a protective role via restoration of endothelial function. HUVECs were treated with 1 µM Ang II alone or with 10 µM atorvastatin for 24 h. Proliferation was detected by MTT assay, cell counting, 5-ethynyl-2′-deoxyuridine assay and real-time cell analyzer. Mitochondrial energy metabolism including oxygen consumption rate and extracellular acidification rate were measured using a Seahorse metabolic flux analyzer. Mitochondrial membrane potential was detected under fluorescence microscope following staining with tetramethylrhodamine. Respiratory chain complexes I–V were detected using western blotting. The current study showed that Ang II inhibits the proliferation of HUVECs. Results from the Seahorse metabolic flux analyzer indicated that Ang II decreased basal oxygen consumption, maximal respiration capacity, spare respiration capacity, adenosine triphosphate-linked respiration and non-mitochondrial respiration. By contrast, Ang II increased the proton leak. Additionally, Ang II increased glycolysis, glycolytic capacity and non-glycolytic acidification. Furthermore, these effects were all suppressed by atorvastatin. The results indicated that atorvastatin prevents cellular energy metabolism switching from oxidative phosphorylation to glycolysis induced by Ang II and protected the proliferative ability of HUVECs.

Study of Statin- and Loratadine-Induced Muscle Pain Mechanisms Using Human Skeletal Muscle Cells

Many drugs can cause unexpected muscle disorders, often necessitating the cessation of an effective medication. Inhibition of monocarboxylate transporters (MCTs) may potentially lead to perturbation of l-lactic acid homeostasis and muscular toxicity. Previous studies have shown that statins and loratadine have the potential to inhibit l-lactic acid efflux by MCTs (MCT1 and 4). The main objective of this study was to confirm the inhibitory potentials of atorvastatin, simvastatin (acid and lactone forms), rosuvastatin, and loratadine on l-lactic acid transport using primary human skeletal muscle cells (SkMC). Loratadine (IC₅₀ 31 and 15 µM) and atorvastatin (IC₅₀ ~130 and 210 µM) demonstrated the greatest potency for inhibition of l-lactic acid efflux at pH 7.0 and 7.4, respectively (~2.5-fold l-lactic acid intracellular accumulation). Simvastatin acid exhibited weak inhibitory potency on l-lactic acid efflux with an intracellular lactic acid increase of 25–35%. No l-lactic acid efflux inhibition was observed for simvastatin lactone or rosuvastatin. Pretreatment studies showed no change in inhibitory potential and did not affect lactic acid transport for all tested drugs. In conclusion, we have demonstrated that loratadine and atorvastatin can inhibit the efflux transport of l-lactic acid in SkMC. Inhibition of l-lactic acid efflux may cause an accumulation of intracellular l-lactic acid leading to the reported drug-induced myotoxicity.

Assessment of Atorvastatin Effect on Body Weight and Blood Glucose Levels Among Diabetic and Non-Diabetic Patients

Background and aims: Atorvastatin is a member of the drug class known as statins, which used as a lipid-lowering agent. The study aim was to assess the effect of atorvastatin on body weight and blood glucose levels among diabetic and non-diabetic patients.

Material and Methods: A 359 hyperlipidemic Jordanian patients using atorvastatin at least for 1 year were divided into two groups: diabetic (DM) and non-diabetic (NDM). The changes in lipid profile, thyroid function test, blood glucose indices as well as body weight were assessed and compared between both groups.

Results: There was no statistical significant (p > 0.05) difference between means of body weight after treatment among DM (85.74 ± 3.56) and NDM (81.75 ± 1.25) groups. Descriptive statistics and mean comparisons before and after atorvastatin treatment, showed statistical significant (p ≤ 0.05) differences in body weight and total cholesterol among NDM group and in total cholesterol and LDL-Ch among DM group. There was an increase in fasting blood glucose (FBG) and glycated hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) and a decrease in triglycerides among both groups but the difference was not statistically (p > 0.05) significant.

Conclusions: Atorvastatin may increase body weight, fasting blood glucose and HbA1c for diabetic and non-diabetic patients.

Radiologic Findings in Gabapentin-Induced Myositis

Throughout recent years, Gabapentin has become increasingly used for the treatment of neuropathic pain. We report on a case of a 31 year old female who presented to the emergency department with unilateral leg pain, weakness, and swelling after increasingly titrating her Gabapentin dosage over three weeks. Magnetic resonance imaging confirmed the presence of myositis confined to the left thigh and the patient's symptoms and laboratory abnormalities resolved following Gabapentin cessation. While Gabapentin-induced myositis and rhabdomyolysis is a rare entity, it should be a diagnostic consideration for radiologists, particularly in the absence of infection or trauma.

Effect of lovastatin treatment on liver function in elderly hepatitis B virus carriers with coronary heart disease

AIM

To evaluate the effect of lovastatin treatment on liver function in elderly hepatitis B virus (HBV) carriers with coronary heart disease.

METHODS

From March 2013 to December 2015, 80 elderly HBV carriers who had coronary heart disease were included, and they were randomly divided into either a control group (n = 40) or an observation group (n = 40). The control group was given conventional therapy, while the observation group was treated with lovastatin on the basis of conventional therapy. Liver function indexes were compared between the two groups. The number of patients with liver exacerbation was also compared.

RESULTS

After treatment, alanine transaminase (ALT) and aspartate transaminase (AST) levels had a significant increase in the observation group (P < 0.05), but not in the control group (P > 0.05). direct bilirubin (DB) level increased significantly in both groups (P < 0.05), but total bilirubin (TB) level did not (P > 0.05). The elevations of ALT and AST in the observation group were significantly higher than those in the control group (P < 0.05), while the elevations of DB and TB had no statistical significance between the two groups. The observation group had a higher rate of ALT > upper limit of normal (ULN) than the control group, but with no statistical significance (P > 0.05), while the rate of ALT > 3 × ULN was significantly higher in the observation group than in the control group (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Lovastatin treatment can result in a higher rate of liver injury in elderly HBV carriers with coronary heart disease. The monitoring of liver function should be strengthened in this group of patients.

Rosuvastatin safety: An experimental study of myotoxic effects and mitochondrial alterations in rats

Myopathy is the most commonly reported adverse effect of statins. All statins are associated with myopathy, though with different rates. Rosuvastatin is a potent statin reported to induce myopathy comparable to earlier statins. However, in clinical practice most patients could tolerate rosuvastatin over other statins. This study aimed to evaluate the myopathic pattern of rosuvastatin in rats using biochemical, functional and histopathological examinations. The possible deleterious effects of rosuvastatin on muscle mitochondria were also examined. The obtained results were compared to myopathy induced by atorvastatin in equimolar dose. Results showed that rosuvastatin induced a rise in CK, a slight increase in myoglobin level together with mild muscle necrosis. Motor activity, assessed by rotarod, showed that rosuvastatin decreased rats' performance. All these manifestations were obviously mild compared to the prominent effects of atorvastatin. Parallel results were obtained in mitochondrial dysfunction parameters. Rosuvastatin only induced a slight increase in LDH and a minor decrease in ATP (∼14%) and pAkt (∼12%). On the other hand, atorvastatin induced an increase in LDH, lactate/pyruvate ratio and a pronounced decline in ATP (∼80%) and pAkt (∼65%). These findings showed that rosuvastatin was associated with mild myotoxic effects in rats, especially when compared to atorvastatin.

Severity of statin-induced adverse effects on muscle and associated conditions: data from the DAMA study

BACKGROUND

Statins are generally well tolerated, but muscular adverse effects appear to be the most common obstacle limiting their use. Our objective was to describe the severity of muscle injury (myalgia, myositis and rhabdomyolysis) and associated conditions related to statin therapy that may be clinically significant.

METHODS

A cross-sectional one-visit, non-interventional, national multicenter study including patients of both sexes over 18 years of age referred for past or present muscle symptoms associated with statin therapy was conducted. Clinical, biochemical and drug therapy characteristics were obtained at the initial evaluation.

RESULTS

3,845 patients were recruited from a one-day record from 2,001 physicians. Myalgia was present in 78.2% of patients, myositis in 19.3% and rhabdomyolysis in 2.5%. The prevalence of different comorbidities such as diabetes, hypertension, atrial fibrillation, and coronary heart disease increased as the severity of myopathy rose. High-intensity statin therapy was used in 33.4% of patients. Concomitant drugs metabolized by the CYP450 3A4 pathway were taken by 9.3% of patients, and statins with this metabolic route by 75%. Independent variables associated with myositis or rhabdomyolysis compared with myalgia alone in the multivariate model were excessive alcohol consumption and pravastatin therapy.

CONCLUSION

Myalgia was the most common muscle adverse effect associated with statin therapy. Excessive alcohol consumption and pravastatin were independently associated with myositis or rhabdomyolysis.

Rechallenging Statin Therapy in Veterans With Statin-Induced Myopathy Post Vitamin D Replenishment

BACKGROUND

Statins are the primary class of medications used to lower cholesterol and reduce risks for coronary heart disease. However, statin muscular adverse effects are one of the main reasons for statin nonadherence and a barrier to cardiovascular risk reduction.

OBJECTIVES

The primary objective of our study was to examine the effect of replenishing vitamin D on statin-induced myopathy in veteran patients who failed to maintain statin therapy in a pharmacist-run ambulatory care setting. Secondary objectives were to examine changes in patients' vitamin D levels, fasting lipid profiles, and achievement of lipid goals after reinitiation of statin therapy.

METHODS

This was a retrospective cohort study of veteran patients conducted at a pharmacist-managed cholesterol-optimization clinic. Patients with low-serum vitamin D, history of statin-induced myopathy, and who received vitamin D replenishment prior to rechallenging statin therapy between December 1, 2008, and April 1, 2015, were identified. The primary outcome was the percentage of patients who maintained their statin therapy at 12 months after statin reinitiation.

RESULTS

Twenty-seven patients met the study criteria. All patients were able to maintain their statin therapy without myalgia after vitamin D supplementation. Eleven patients (40.7%) tolerated their previously failed statins. The most frequently restarted statins were atorvastatin, pravastatin, and rosuvastatin. A 22% to 30% increase in the number of patients who achieved cholesterol goals based on the national lipid guidelines was observed at 12-month follow-up.

CONCLUSION

Replenishing low vitamin D in patients with statin-induced myopathy appears to be an effective strategy in improving medication adherence and subsequently preventing cardiovascular and mortality events.

Folic Acid Therapy Reduces the First Stroke Risk Associated With Hypercholesterolemia Among Hypertensive Patients

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

We sought to determine whether folic acid supplementation can independently reduce the risk of first stroke associated with elevated total cholesterol levels in a subanalysis using data from the CSPPT (China Stroke Primary Prevention Trial), a double-blind, randomized controlled trial.

METHODS

A total of 20 702 hypertensive adults without a history of major cardiovascular disease were randomly assigned to a double-blind daily treatment of an enalapril 10-mg and a folic acid 0.8-mg tablet or an enalapril 10-mg tablet alone. The primary outcome was first stroke.

RESULTS

The median treatment duration was 4.5 years. For participants not receiving folic acid treatment (enalapril-only group), high total cholesterol (≥200 mg/dL) was an independent predictor of first stroke when compared with low total cholesterol (<200 mg/dL; 4.0% versus 2.6%; hazard ratio, 1.52; 95% confidence interval, 1.18-1.97; P=0.001). Folic acid supplementation significantly reduced the risk of first stroke among participants with high total cholesterol (4.0% in the enalapril-only group versus 2.7% in the enalapril-folic acid group; hazard ratio, 0.69; 95% confidence interval, 0.56-0.84; P<0.001; number needed to treat, 78; 95% confidence interval, 52-158), independent of baseline folate levels and other important covariates. By contrast, among participants with low total cholesterol, the risk of stroke was 2.6% in the enalapril-only group versus 2.5% in the enalapril-folic acid group (hazard ratio, 1.00; 95% confidence interval, 0.75-1.30; P=0.982). The effect was greater among participants with elevated total cholesterol (P for interaction=0.024).

CONCLUSIONS

Elevated total cholesterol levels may modify the benefits of folic acid therapy on first stroke. Folic acid supplementation reduced the risk of first stroke associated with elevated total cholesterol by 31% among hypertensive adults without a history of major cardiovascular diseases.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION

URL: http://www.clinicaltrials.gov. Unique identifier: NCT00794885.