Abstract | BACKGROUND: METHODS: All prairie dogs were fed a 1.2% cholesterol-enriched diet during the entire study. Gallbladders from five animals were examined at 3 weeks, and four of five gallbladders contained gallstones. Remaining animals were maintained on the 1.2% cholesterol-enriched diet and randomized to receive either water (n = 7); lovastatin, 8 mg (n = 7); ursodeoxycholic acid, 50 mg (UR, n = 7); or both drugs ( lovastatin and UR, n = 7) twice daily by way of orogastric tube for 4 additional weeks. Response to therapy was determined by blinded examination of gallbladders. RESULTS: All three treatment groups had significant reductions in serum cholesterol, hepatic bile cholesterol, and hepatic cholesterol saturation index as compared to controls (water). Lovastatin induced a 28% response rate to dissolution therapy, which was equal to that achieved with UR, and the combination of lovastatin and UR produced a 56% response rate. CONCLUSIONS: This preliminary study suggests that lovastatin, alone or in combination with UR, may be useful in dissolving gallstones in humans.
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Authors | K D Saunders, J A Cates, M Z Abedin, J J Roslyn |
Journal | Surgery
(Surgery)
Vol. 113
Issue 1
Pg. 28-35
(Jan 1993)
ISSN: 0039-6060 [Print] United States |
PMID | 8417484
(Publication Type: Comparative Study, Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't, Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.)
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Chemical References |
- Lipids
- Ursodeoxycholic Acid
- Lovastatin
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Topics |
- Animals
- Bile
(chemistry)
- Cholelithiasis
(drug therapy)
- Drug Therapy, Combination
- Lipids
(analysis, blood)
- Lovastatin
(therapeutic use)
- Male
- Sciuridae
- Ursodeoxycholic Acid
(therapeutic use)
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