Abstract | BACKGROUND AND AIMS: There is limited information available on the effects of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase inhibitors on hepatic and biliary cholesterol metabolism in patients with gallstones. The aims of this study were to determine the effect of simvastatin on the regulatory elements of cholesterol metabolism that determine the concentrations of cholesterol in plasma and bile. METHODS: Thirty-one gallstone patients were enrolled in the study; 17 were treated with 20 mg simvastatin daily for 3 weeks prior to cholecystectomy and 14 served as controls. Samples of blood, liver, gall-bladder bile and bile from the common bile duct (CBD) were collected and analysed. RESULTS: CONCLUSIONS: These data indicate that simvastatin reduced plasma and biliary cholesterol levels primarily by reducing cholesterol synthesis. The reduction in CBD bile lithogenicity and bile acid hydrophobicity by simvastatin suggests that this agent may be useful for people who have early stages of cholesterol gallstone development and in whom a choleretic effect is required.
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Authors | J L Smith, P D Roach, L N Wittenberg, M Riottot, S P Pillay, P J Nestel, L K Nathanson |
Journal | Journal of gastroenterology and hepatology
(J Gastroenterol Hepatol)
Vol. 15
Issue 8
Pg. 871-9
(Aug 2000)
ISSN: 0815-9319 [Print] Australia |
PMID | 11022827
(Publication Type: Clinical Trial, Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)
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Chemical References |
- Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors
- Lipids
- Receptors, LDL
- Cholesterol
- Simvastatin
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Topics |
- Adult
- Aged
- Aged, 80 and over
- Case-Control Studies
- Cholelithiasis
(chemistry, drug therapy, metabolism)
- Cholesterol
(blood, metabolism)
- Female
- Humans
- Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors
(pharmacology)
- Lipid Metabolism
- Lipids
(blood)
- Liver
(drug effects, metabolism)
- Male
- Middle Aged
- Receptors, LDL
(metabolism)
- Simvastatin
(pharmacology)
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