Reversal of statin toxicity to human lymphocytes in tissue culture.
Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA reductase inhibitors (statins) are widely used to inhibit biosynthesis of cholesterol in individuals with elevated serum levels of this risk factor for cardiovascular disease. We find that statins are toxic to human lymphocytes in cell culture at concentrations less than 0.1 microg/ml. Addition of their own plasma reverses this toxicity in some, but not all, individuals. Addition of coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) with plasma is more effective than plasma alone in reversing toxicity in some individuals. Apparently, two factors are required to reverse the cellular toxicity of statins: CoQ10 and a plasma factor found in a subset of individuals. These observations may provide the basis for a method to assess individual susceptibility to statin toxicity and to predict which individuals may benefit from supplements of CoQ10.
Pettit
Flora H
FH
The University of Texas at Austin, Biochemical Institute, Austin, TX 78712-0163, USA. fvhp@sbcglobal.net
Harper
Ruth F
RF
Vilaythong
Jill
J
Chu
Toni
T
Shive
William
W
D000975:Antioxidants / Q000494:pharmacology; D002455:Cell Division / Q000187:drug effects; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D003067:Coenzymes; D019610:Cytoprotection / Q000187:drug effects*; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D006801:Humans; D019161:Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors / Q000009:adverse effects*; D008214:Lymphocytes / Q000166:cytology / Q000187:drug effects*; D010949:Plasma; D014451:Ubiquinone / Q000031:analogs & derivatives* / Q000494:pharmacology
D000975:Antioxidants; D003067:Coenzymes; D019161:Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors; D014451:Ubiquinone; C024989:coenzyme Q10