Statin - CoQ10 suppression (Arch Neurol, 6/04)

From: ChuckMSRD (chuckmsrd_at_aol.com)
Date: 09/18/04 

Date: 18 Sep 2004 10:57:26 GMT

1: Arch Neurol. 2004 Jun;61(6):889-92. Related Articles, Links

  
Atorvastatin decreases the coenzyme Q10 level in the blood of patients at risk
for cardiovascular disease and stroke.

Rundek T, Naini A, Sacco R, Coates K, DiMauro S.

Department of Neurology, Columbia University College of Physicians & Surgeons,
New York, NY 10032, USA.

BACKGROUND: Statins (3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase
inhibitors) are widely used for the treatment of hypercholesterolemia and
coronary heart disease and for the prevention of stroke. There have been
various adverse effects, most commonly affecting muscle and ranging from
myalgia to rhabdomyolysis. These adverse effects may be due to a coenzyme Q(10)
(CoQ(10)) deficiency because inhibition of cholesterol biosynthesis also
inhibits the synthesis of CoQ(10). OBJECTIVE: To measure CoQ(10) levels in
blood from hypercholesterolemic subjects before and after exposure to
atorvastatin calcium, 80 mg/d, for 14 and 30 days. DESIGN: Prospective blinded
study of the effects of short-term exposure to atorvastatin on blood levels of
CoQ(10). SETTING: Stroke center at an academic tertiary care hospital.Patients
We examined a cohort of 34 subjects eligible for statin treatment according to
National Cholesterol Education Program: Adult Treatment Panel III criteria.
RESULTS: The mean +/- SD blood concentration of CoQ(10) was 1.26 +/- 0.47 micro
g/mL at baseline, and decreased to 0.62 +/- 0.39 micro g/mL after 30 days of
atorvastatin therapy (P<.001). A significant decrease was already detectable
after 14 days of treatment (P<.001). CONCLUSIONS: Even brief exposure to
atorvastatin causes a marked decrease in blood CoQ(10) concentration.
Widespread inhibition of CoQ(10) synthesis could explain the most commonly
reported adverse effects of statins, especially exercise intolerance, myalgia,
and myoglobinuria.

PMID: 15210526 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]