Latest medical literature on crestor

Our library of drug research abstracts drawn from the medical literature is updated on a regular schedule, and you can be assured that new crestor research articles will be listed here shortly after becoming available to us.

Medical research on crestor

In Vitro Biliary Clearance of Angiotensin II Receptor Blockers and HMG-CoA Reductase Inhibitors in Sandwich-Cultured Rat Hepatocytes: Comparison to In Vivo Biliary Clearance.

J Pharmacol Exp Ther. 2008 Jun 23;
Abe K, Bridges A, Yue W, Brouwer KL
Previous reports have indicated that in vitro biliary clearance (Clbiliary) determined in sandwich-cultured hepatocytes correlates well with in vivo Clbiliary for limited sets of compounds. This study was designed to estimate the in vitro Clbiliary in sandwich-cultured rat hepatocytes (SCRH) of angiotensin II receptor blockers and HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors that undergo limited metabolism, to compare the estimated Clbiliary values with published in vivo Clbiliary data in rats, and to characterize the mechanism(s) of basolateral uptake and canalicular excretion of these drugs in rats. Average biliary excretion index (BEI) and in vitro Clbiliary of olmesartan, valsartan, pravastatin, rosuvastatin, and pitavastatin were 15%, 19%, 43%, 45%, and 20%, respectively, and 1.7, 3.2, 4.4, 46.1, and 34.6 ml/min/kg, respectively. Clbiliary predicted from SCRH, accounting for plasma unbound fraction, correlated with reported in vivo Clbiliary for these drugs. The rank order of Clbiliary values predicted from SCRH was consistent with in vivo Clbiliary values. Bromosulfophthalein inhibited the uptake of all drugs. BEI and Clbiliary values of olmesartan, valsartan, pravastatin, and rosuvastatin, known multidrug resistance-associated protein (Mrp)2 substrates, were reduced in SCRH from Mrp2-deficient (TR(-)) compared to wild-type (WT) rats. Although Mrp2 plays a minor role in pitavastatin biliary excretion, pitavastatin BEI and Clbiliary were reduced in TR(-) compared to WT SCRH; Bcrp expression in SCRH from TR(-) rats was decreased. In conclusion, in vitro Clbiliary determined in SCRH can be used to estimate and compare in vivo Clbiliary of compounds in rats, and to characterize transport proteins responsible for their hepatic uptake and excretion.

Clinical efficacy and safety of statins in managing cardiovascular risk.

Vasc Health Risk Manag. 2008; 4(2): 341-53
Kapur NK, Musunuru K
Since their introduction in the 1980s, 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase inhibitors (statins) have emerged as the one of the best-selling medication classes to date, with numerous trials demonstrating powerful efficacy in preventing cardiovascular outcomes. As our understanding of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and atherosclerosis continues to grow, the concept of 'lower is better' has corresponded with a more is better' approach to statin-based therapy. This review provides a detailed understanding of the clinical efficacy and safety of statins with a particular emphasis on the third generation drug, rosuvastatin.

Rosuvastatin selectively stimulates apolipoprotein A-I but not apolipoprotein A-II synthesis in Hep G2 cells.

Metabolism. 2008 Jul; 57(7): 973-9
Qin S, Koga T, Ganji SH, Kamanna VS, Kashyap ML
Hydroxymethylglutaryl-coenzyme A reductase inhibitors (statins) are extensively used to regulate dyslipidemia and to reduce atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. In addition to effectively lowering cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein levels, rosuvastatin and certain other statins can also increase plasma high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol modestly. However, the mechanism of action of rosuvastatin on HDL metabolic processes is not understood. Using cultured human hepatoblastoma cells (Hep G2) as an in vitro model system, we assessed the effect of rosuvastatin on apolipoprotein (apo) A-I and apo A-II (the major proteins of HDL) synthesis and HDL catabolic processes. Rosuvastatin dose-dependently increased messenger RNA expression and de novo synthesis of apo A-I but not apo A-II. Rosuvastatin selectively increased the synthesis of HDL particles containing only apo A-I (LP A-I) but not particles containing both apo A-I and A-II (LP A-I + A-II). The HDL(3)-protein or HDL(3)-cholesterol ester uptake by Hep G2 cells was not affected by rosuvastatin. The apo A-I-containing particles secreted by rosuvastatin-treated Hep G2 significantly increased cholesterol efflux from fibroblasts. The data indicate that rosuvastatin increases hepatic apo A-I but not apo A-II messenger RNA transcription, thereby selectively increasing the synthesis of functionally active apo A-I-containing HDL particles, which mediate cholesterol efflux from peripheral tissues. We suggest that this mechanism of action of rosuvastatin to increase apo A-I production without apo A-I/HDL removal may result in increased apo A-I turnover that results in accelerated reverse cholesterol transport.

Effects of Statins on High-Density Lipoproteins: A Potential Contribution to Cardiovascular Benefit.

Cardiovasc Drugs Ther. 2008 Jun 14;
McTaggart F, Jones P
PURPOSE: The objective was to systematically review clinical trial data on the effects of statins on high-density lipoproteins (HDL) and to examine the possibility that this provides cardiovascular benefits in addition to those derived from reductions in low-density lipoproteins (LDL). METHODS: The PubMed database was searched for publications describing clinical trials of atorvastatin, pravastatin, rosuvastatin, and simvastatin. On the basis of predefined criteria, 103 were selected for review. RESULTS: Compared with placebo, statins raise HDL, measured as HDL-cholesterol (HDL-C) and apolipoprotein A-I (apo A-I); these elevations are maintained in the long-term. In hypercholesterolemia, HDL-C is raised by approximately 4% to 10%. The percentage changes are greater in patients with low baseline levels, including those with the common combination of high triglycerides (TG) and low HDL-C. These effects do not appear to be dose-related although there is evidence that, with the exception of atorvastatin, the changes in HDL-C are proportional to reductions in apo B-containing lipoproteins. The most likely explanation is a reduced rate of cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP)-mediated flow of cholesterol from HDL. There is some evidence that the statin effects on HDL reduce progression of atherosclerosis and risk of cardiovascular disease independently of reductions in LDL. CONCLUSION: Statins cause modest increases in HDL-C and apo A-I probably mediated by reductions in CETP activity. It is plausible that such changes independently contribute to the cardiovascular benefits of the statin class but more studies are needed to further explore this possibility.

Controlled rosuvastatin multinational trial in heart failure (the positive negative trial).

Am J Cardiol. 2008 Jun 15; 101(12): 1808-9
Serebruany VL

Efficacy of Rosuvastatin (5 mg and 10 mg) Twice a Week in Patients Intolerant to Daily Statins.

Am J Cardiol. 2008 Jun 15; 101(12): 1747-8
Gadarla M, Kearns AK, Thompson PD
The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of rosuvastatin twice weekly in 40 patients intolerant to daily statins. Rosuvastatin twice weekly alone or added to other lipid-lowering medications decreased total cholesterol by 19%, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol by 26%, and triglycerides by 14% (p

Effects of 20 mg rosuvastatin on VLDL1-, VLDL2-, IDL- and LDL-ApoB kinetics in type 2 diabetes.

Diabetologia. 2008 Jun 5;
Vergès B, Florentin E, Baillot-Rudoni S, Monier S, Petit JM, Rageot D, Gambert P, Duvillard L
AIMS/HYPOTHESIS: In addition to its efficacy in reducing LDL-cholesterol, rosuvastatin has been shown to significantly decrease plasma triacylglycerol. The use of rosuvastatin may be beneficial in patients with type 2 diabetes, who usually have increased triacylglycerol levels. However, its effects on the metabolism of triacylglycerol-rich lipoproteins in type 2 diabetic patients remains unknown. METHODS: We performed a randomised double-blind crossover trial of 6-week treatment with placebo or rosuvastatin 20 mg in eight patients with type 2 diabetes who were being treated with oral glucose-lowering agents. In each patient, an in vivo kinetic study of apolipoprotein B (ApoB)-containing lipoproteins with [(13)C]leucine was performed at the end of each treatment period. A central randomisation centre used computer-generated tables to allocate treatments. Participants, caregivers and those assessing the outcomes were blinded to group assignment. RESULTS: Rosuvastatin 20 mg significantly reduced plasma LDL-cholesterol, triacylglycerol and total ApoB. It also significantly reduced ApoB pool sizes of larger triacylglycerol-rich VLDL particles (VLDL1; p = 0.011), smaller VLDL particles (VLDL2; p = 0.011), intermediate density lipoprotein (IDL; p = 0.011) and LDL (p = 0.011). This reduction was associated with a significant increase in the total fractional catabolic rate of VLDL1-ApoB (6.70 +/- 3.24 vs 4.52 +/- 2.34 pool/day, p = 0.049), VLDL2-ApoB (8.72 +/- 3.37 vs 5.36 +/- 2.64, p = 0.011), IDL-ApoB (7.06 +/- 1.68 vs 4.21 +/- 1.51, p = 0.011) and LDL-ApoB (1.02 +/- 0.27 vs 0.59 +/- 0.13, p = 0.011). Rosuvastatin did not change the production rates of VLDL2-, IDL- or LDL-, but did reduce VLDL1-ApoB production rate (12.4 +/- 4.5 vs 19.5 +/- 8.4 mg kg(-1) day(-1), p = 0.035). No side effects of rosuvastatin were observed during the study. CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION: In type 2 diabetic patients rosuvastatin 20 mg not only induces a significant increase of LDL-ApoB catabolism (73%), but also has favourable effects on the catabolism of triacylglycerol-rich lipoproteins, e.g. a significant increase in the catabolism of VLDL1-ApoB (48%), VLDL2-ApoB (63%) and IDL-ApoB (68%), and a reduction in the production rate of VLDL1-ApoB (-36%). The effects of rosuvastatin on the metabolism of triacylglycerol-rich lipoproteins may be beneficial for prevention of atherosclerosis in type 2 diabetic patients. Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT00658463 Funding: This study was supported by a grant from AstraZeneca.

Toward "pain-free" statin prescribing: clinical algorithm for diagnosis and management of myalgia.

Mayo Clin Proc. 2008 Jun; 83(6): 687-700
Jacobson TA
Myalgia, which often manifests as pain or soreness in skeletal muscles, is among the most salient adverse events associated with 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase inhibitors (statins). Clinical issues related to statin-associated myotoxicity include (1) incidence in randomized controlled trials and occurrence in postmarketing surveillance databases; (2) potential differences between statins in their associations with such adverse events; and (3) diagnostic and treatment strategies to prevent, recognize, and manage these events. Data from systematic reviews, meta-analyses, clinical and observational trials, and post-marketing surveillance indicate that statin-associated myalgia typically affects approximately 5.0% of patients, as myopathy in 0.1% and as rhabdomyolysis in 0.01%. However, studies also suggest that myalgia is among the leading reasons patients discontinue statins (particularly high-dose statin monotherapy) and that treatment with certain statins (eg, fluvastatin) is unlikely to result in such adverse events. This review presents a clinical algorithm for monitoring and managing statin-associated myotoxicity. The algorithm highlights risk factors for muscle toxicity and provides recommendations for (1) creatine kinase measurements and monitoring; (2) statin dosage reduction, discontinuation, and rechallenge; and (3) treatment alternatives, such as extended-release fluvastatin with or without ezetimibe, low-dose or alternate-day rosuvastatin, or ezetimibe with or without colesevelam. The algorithm should help to inform and enhance patient care and reduce the risk of myalgia and other potentially treatment-limiting muscle effects that might undermine patient adherence and compromise the overall cardioprotective benefits of statins.

Effects of Atazanavir/Ritonavir or Fosamprenavir/Ritonavir on the Pharmacokinetics of Rosuvastatin.

J Cardiovasc Pharmacol. 2008 Jun; 51(6): 605-610
Busti AJ, Bain AM, Hall RG, Bedimo RG, Leff RD, Meek C, Mehvar R
BACKGROUND:: Rosuvastatin (RSV) is a potent statin with a lower potential for drug interactions. However, recent data have revealed unexpected increases in RSV concentrations with lopinavir/ritonavir. The objective is to study the pharmacokinetic interaction of RSV with atazanavir/ritonavir (ATV/RTV) or fosamprenavir/ritonavir (FPV/RTV). METHODS:: In a prospective pharmacokinetic drug interaction study, six HIV-seronegative, healthy adult volunteers received single 10-mg doses of RSV at baseline and after 6 days of ATV/RTV and FPV/RTV, with 6-day washout periods. Plasma concentrations of RSV and its metabolites, N-desmethyl-RSV and RSV-lactone, were measured by using a internally validated tandem mass spectrometric (LC-MS/MS) method over 24 hours. RESULTS:: Compared to baseline, the area under the plasma concentration-time curve (AUC0-24h) and maximum plasma concentration (Cmax) of RSV increased by 213% and 600%, respectively, and the time to reach Cmax was shorter (1.75 h vs. 2.91 h) when given with ATV/RTV (P < 0.05). However, coadministration with FPV/RTV did not significantly affect the pharmacokinetics of RSV. The AUC0-24h of N-desmethyl-RSV was not significantly affected by either combinations, but that of RSV-lactone increased (P < 0.05) by 61% and 76% after coadministration with ATV/RTV and FPV/RTV, respectively. CONCLUSION:: ATV/RTV significantly increases the plasma concentrations of rosuvastatin, most likely by increasing rosuvastatin's oral bioavailability. Dose limitations of RSV with ATV/RTV may be needed.

Rosuvastatin therapy shown to regress atherosclerosis and increase lumen diameter in extended ASTEROID study.

Cardiovasc J Afr. 2008 Mar-Apr; 19(2): 117