New research is revealing some alarming concerns over the
safety of Statin agents and questioning their effectiveness
in a high percentage of patients taking these drugs.
How do Statins Work? The process of producing cholesterol
begins with a two carbon molecule, acetyl-CoA, known as the
"building block of life." Acetyl-CoA molecules combine to
form hydroxymethyl glutaric acid (HMG). The enyme HMG-CoA
reductase is required for mevalonate to be produced from
HMG-CoA reductase. Statin drugs inhibit this enzyme and
that is why they are known as HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors.
This is the reason for the reported numerous side effects.
Statin drugs don't just inhibit the production of
cholesterol. Statins inhibit the production of an entire
group of intermediary enzymes and molecules that have
essential biochemical functions. The mevalonate chain
produces 3 end products and one of those is Cholesterol.
Ubiquinone and dolichol are the others.
Ubiquinone also known as Co-Enzyme Q10 is an essential
cellular nutrient formed in the mitochondria and is
necessary for ATP production, functioning as an electron
transporter to cytochrome oxidase, the primary respiratory
enzyme. High levels of Co-Q10 are required by the heart to
function. Ubiquinone, a form of Co-Q10 is in all cell
membranes where it plays a vital role in maintaining proper
cell membrane structure for nerves and muscles to function.
Reduction in serum Ubiquinone levels have been described
after statin therapy.( Mabuchi H, et al, J Atherosclero
Thromb. 2005; 12(2) : 111-9)
Studies have shown that the use of statin agents for
cholesterol control will reduce the level of co-enzyme q-10
by up to 40%. It appears that these statin agents, by
altering membrane function actually also impair energy
transport to these muscles necessary to keep them
functioning properly. Co-Q10 deficiency can cause muscle
wasting, pain and weakness and heart failure (the heart is
a muscle!).
Proteins are synthesized within the membranes of the
endoplasmic reticulum. This complex creation of peptides is
directed by dolichol phosphate. The Dolichols are also
critical in the assembly of glycoproteins, which allow
complex protein structures to fold and interact with
receptors and membranes. Dolichol-mediated processes create
complex neuropeptides, and mechanisms critical in cellular
communication, identification, and immune function. The
reality of Dolichol inhibition by statin agents is evident
and the resultant turmoil in cellular function is not
unexpected. It is also not unexpected that altered
cognition and abnormal behavior can result from statin
induced neuropeptide formation.
Another common side effect associated with statin agents
when used to dramatically reduce cholesterol levels are the
neurodegenerative type diseases, almost like Lou Gehrig's
disease or Multiple sclerosis, and this is because there is
damage to the cellular membranes that make up the
insulation around the nerves. It is like electrical wiring
in an old house where the insulation around the wire has
broken down leaving exposed wiring. These poorly
functioning nerves and membranes result in muscle
aches/pains as well as decreased strength and decreased
nerve function. Memory and thought process may also be
severely affected.
Drastic Cholesterol Reduction. It seems that a lot of these
problems begin when cholesterol levels become elevated and
aggressive reduction occurs with the use of statin agents.
Therefore elevated cholesterol levels have been described
as the initiating phase in the development of
atherosclerosis. Of course, statins inhibit the production
of cholesterol--they do this very well. Cholesterol is the
body's repair substance: scar tissue contains high levels
of cholesterol, including scar tissue in the arteries.
Cholesterol is the precursor to vitamin D, necessary for
numerous biochemical processes including mineral
metabolism. The use of statin agents will reduce the
synthesis of Vitamin D. Studies have identified the
increased incidence of musculoskeletal pain in patients who
are vitamin D deficient, and that replacement results in
dramatic improvement.(Al Faraj S.,et al. Vitamin D
Deficiency and chronic low back pain in Saudi Arabia,"
Spine 2003; 28(2): 177-9).
A number of patients describe gastrointestinal symptoms and
diarrhea associated with statin therapy. Unfortunately
after an extensive gastrointestinal workup, the statin
therapy is not discontinued. Statin agents reduce bile
salts production, which is required for the digestion of
fat. Those who suffer from low cholesterol often have
trouble digesting fats. Cholesterol also functions as a
powerful antioxidant, thus protecting us against cancer and
aging.
It is no surprise that the aggressive control of
cholesterol, typical of statin therapy, in an attempt to
reduce cardiovascular disease, in itself produces it's own
disease process. Even though statins have not been proven
to decrease the risk of heart attacks and strokes for those
not suffering from heart disease.
----------------------------------------------------
Gary Stanton, Natural Health advocate and Holistic
Nutritionist and Robert Carlson, MD FACS, board certified
in General and Thoracic Surgery, participated in
cardiovascular research at Harvard University and is a
fellow of the American College of Surgeons. He received
"America's Top Doctor Award" in Cardiothoracic surgery in
2003 and in 2007. Dr. Carlson is also a Medical Advisor to
New Health Corp. http://www.heartsavior.com Tel:
1-877-263-3555
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