|
Statin Drugs
Statins for the Prevention and Treatment of Infections- from
the journal Archives of Internal Medicine 2009;169(18):1658-1667
As you may be aware statin drugs are used to treat high cholesterol levels. They
do this by inhibiting the action of an enzyme called 3-hydroxy-3 methylglutaryl
coenzyme A, which we usually call HMG CoA for short. This enzyme is part of the
liver cells in your body. When you slow down it's activity you get less
cholesterol made. But, also, some other things happen that are very interesting.
Several other chemical pathways and products of cholesterol production are
changed. These changes have some interesting results and include: modulation of
the immune system, anti-inflammatory effects, alterations of the coagulation
system, and some direct inhibition of bacteria. These effects can result in
improved survival with infections. Recent research has shown that people taking
statin drugs seem to tolerate infections better. A recent examination of the
studies shows that people on statins tolerate bacteria in the blood stream,
pneumonia, sepsis, and bacterial infections better than those not taking the
medications. This information requires further research, but it is a fascinating
benefit to taking a statin drug.
|