Decreased skeletal muscle mitochondrial DNA in patients treated with high-dose simvastatin

Clin Pharmacol Ther. 2007 May;81(5):650-3. doi: 10.1038/sj.clpt.6100124. Epub 2007 Feb 28.

Abstract

Statins are generally well tolerated, but can cause myopathy and have been associated with mitochondrial abnormalities. The aim of this study was to determine whether muscle mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) levels are altered during statin therapy. We retrospectively quantified mtDNA in 86 skeletal muscle biopsy specimens collected as part of a previously published clinical trial of high-dose simvastatin or atorvastatin versus placebo.

Publication types

  • Randomized Controlled Trial
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Atorvastatin
  • DNA, Mitochondrial / metabolism*
  • Double-Blind Method
  • Female
  • Heptanoic Acids / adverse effects
  • Humans
  • Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors / adverse effects*
  • Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors / therapeutic use
  • Hypercholesterolemia / drug therapy
  • Longitudinal Studies
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Mitochondria, Muscle / drug effects*
  • Mitochondria, Muscle / metabolism*
  • Pyrroles / adverse effects
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Simvastatin / adverse effects*
  • Simvastatin / therapeutic use
  • Ubiquinone / metabolism

Substances

  • DNA, Mitochondrial
  • Heptanoic Acids
  • Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors
  • Pyrroles
  • Ubiquinone
  • Atorvastatin
  • Simvastatin