Recent clinical trials and meta-analyses have indicated that high-intensive statin treatment lowers low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels and reduces the risk of nonfatal cardiovascular (CV) events compared with moderate-intensity statin treatment. However, there are residual risks of CV events and safety concerns associated with high-intensity statin treatment. The Improved Reduction of Outcomes: Vytorin Efficacy International Trial (IMPROVE-IT) study showed that ezetimibe plus moderate-intensity statin therapy after acute coronary syndromes incrementally lowers LDL-C levels and improved CV outcomes compared with moderate-intensity statin therapy. However, despite the LDL-C-lowering effects, a substantial residual CV risk still remains, which includes other lipid abnormalities such as low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C). The most representative agents that primarily increase HDL-C are cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP) inhibitors. Until now, 4 CETP inhibitors, including torcetrapib, dalcetrapib, evacetrapib, and anacetrapib, have been introduced and all have significantly raised the HDL-C from 30% to 133%. However, the results for CV outcomes in clinical trials differed, based on the 4 agents. Torcetrapib increased the risk of CV events and total mortality in patients at high CV risk (ILLUMINATE trial). Dalcetrapib and evacetrapib did not result in lower rate of CV events in patients with recent acute coronary syndrome and high risk vascular disease, respectively (dal-OUTCOMES and ACCELERATE trials). However, anacetrapib significantly decreased the incidence of major coronary events in patients with atherosclerotic vascular disease (REVEAL trial). This topic summarizes the major results of recent statin and CETP inhibitor trials and provides framework to interpret and implement the trial results in real clinical practice.
Acute Coronary Syndrome ; Cholesterol ; Cholesterol Ester Transfer Proteins ; Dyslipidemias ; Ezetimibe ; Ezetimibe, Simvastatin Drug Combination ; Humans ; Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors* ; Incidence ; Lipoproteins ; Mortality ; Vascular Diseases

BACKGROUNDStatins and ezetimibe have been reported to change the balance of cholesterol metabolism, but few studies have been performed on Chinese patients. The aim of this study was to evaluate changes in cholesterol metabolism markers in patients with coronary heart disease.

METHODSForty-five patients with coronary heart disease were treated with 20 mg/d of simvastatin for four weeks. Subjects were then divided into two different therapy groups according to whether they reached the target values for total cholesterol and low density lipoprotein cholesterol level. Patients who reached the target values remained on simvastatin and those who did not reach the target values took a combination of simvastatin plus 10 mg/d ezetimibe until the 12th week. The concentrations of cholesterol synthesis markers (lathosterol and desmosterol) and absorption markers (campesterol and sitosterol) were measured on the 1st, 4th, and 12th week of the study by gas chromatography.

RESULTSAfter treatment with simvastatin for four weeks, the levels of total cholesterol and low density lipoprotein cholesterol decreased significantly compared to levels measured during the 1st week (P < 0.05). On the 12th week the levels of total cholesterol and low density lipoprotein cholesterol had decreased significantly (P < 0.001) compared to levels during the 4th week. By the 12th week the levels of campesterol and sitosterol in the combination group had decreased significantly (P < 0.05) compared with levels measured during the 4th week.

CONCLUSIONSCoronary heart disease patients with high cholesterol synthesis at baseline might gain a greater benefit from simvastatin treatment. Combination therapy with simvastatin plus ezetimibe in patients with low cholesterol synthesis at baseline might increase the success rate of lipid-lowering through decreasing the absorption of cholesterol.

Adult ; Aged ; Azetidines ; administration & dosage ; Cholesterol ; metabolism ; Cholesterol, LDL ; blood ; Coronary Disease ; drug therapy ; metabolism ; Drug Therapy, Combination ; Ezetimibe ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Simvastatin ; administration & dosage

No abstract available.
Humans ; Simvastatin* ; Ezetimibe

Background: Statin and its derivate (simvastatin, autorvastatin, etc...) are used for dyslipidemia treatment and preventing thrombose. However, the mechanism of the antithrombotic action is still being studied. Objectives: (1) To study coagulation parameters in dyslipidemia. (2) To evaluate the effects of simvastatin on coagulation parameters in dyslipidemia patients. Subject and Method: A prospective study was carried out in a sample of 22 patients with primary hypercholesterolemia (type IIa), who were treated with simvastatin 20mg/d for 1 month. The lipid parameters (cholesterol, triglycerid, HDL, LDL) and coagulation parameters (PT, APTT, fibrinogen, factor II, V, VII, X, VIII, IX, XI) were compared between pre and post therapy, and to the control group (59 healthy people). Results: Most of coagulation parameter values (except factor VIII and X) of the pre treatment group were significantly change towards hypercoagulation (p<0.05%) when compared to the control group. After treatment, PT rate, APTT, APTT rate, fibrinogen, factor VII and IX were significantly changed towards coagulation when compared to pre treatment (p<0.05%). The plasma coagulation and lipid parameters of more than 50% of the hypercholesterolemia patients returned to normal values after treatment. Conclusions: Simvastatin therapy on dyslipidemia patients can reduce not only the level of serum lipid, but also coagulation, and proved its effectiveness in the prevention of thrombosis.
Simvastatin ; coagulation ; dyslipidemia

PURPOSE: The effects of short-term intensive lipid-lowering treatment on coronary plaque composition have not yet been sufficiently evaluated. We investigated the influence of short-term intensive lipid-lowering treatment on quantitative and qualitative changes in plaque components of non-culprit lesions in patients with acute coronary syndrome. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a prospective, randomized, open-label, single-center trial. Seventy patients who underwent both baseline and three-month follow-up virtual histology intravascular ultrasound were randomly assigned to either an intensive lipid-lowering treatment group (ezetimibe/simvastatin 10/40 mg, n=34) or a control statin treatment group (pravastatin 20 mg, n=36). Using virtual histology intravascular ultrasound, plaque was characterized as fibrous, fibro-fatty, dense calcium, or necrotic core. Changes in plaque components during the three-month lipid-lowering treatment were compared between the two groups. RESULTS: Compared with the control statin treatment group, there was a significant reduction in low-density lipoprotein cholesterol in the intensive lipid-lowering treatment group (-20.4±17.1 mg/dL vs. -36.8±17.4 mg/dL, respectively; p<0.001). There were no statistically significant differences in baseline, three-month follow-up, or serial changes of gray-scale intravascular ultrasound parameters between the two groups. The absolute volume of fibro-fatty plaque was significantly reduced in the intensive lipid-lowering treatment group compared with the control group (-1.5±3.4 mm3 vs. 0.8±4.7 mm3, respectively; p=0.024). A linear correlation was found between changes in low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels and changes in the absolute volumes of fibro-fatty plaque (p<0.001, R2=0.209). CONCLUSION: Modification of coronary plaque may be attainable after only three months of intensive lipid-lowering treatment.
Aged ; Cholesterol, LDL/*blood/drug effects ; Coronary Artery Disease/*diagnostic imaging ; Drug Administration Schedule ; Ezetimibe, Simvastatin Drug Combination/*administration & dosage ; Female ; Humans ; Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors/*administration & dosage ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Plaque, Atherosclerotic/*diagnostic imaging ; Pravastatin/administration & dosage ; Prospective Studies ; Time Factors ; Treatment Outcome ; Ultrasonography, Interventional

Objectives: Bioequivalence studies provide evidence that generic drugs can produce the same blood levels as the innovator, suggesting similar efficacy and safety and indicating interchangeability without the need to titrate dosing. This study aimed to compare the rate and extent of absorption of two simvastatin 20 mg tablets of Pascual Laboratories, Inc. with two Zocor 20 mg tablets of Merck Sharp & Dohme (I.A.) Corp. in healthy Filipinos. The study also monitored the safety and tolerability of the medications, under the same conditions. Proof of bioequivalence is required by FDA Philippines to establish the interchangeability of generic products and their innovators. Methods: Twenty-four healthy participants were administered with a single oral dose of two 20 mg simvastatin tablets under fasting conditions, in a randomized, open-label, blind-endpoint analysis, two-way crossover study, with a washout period of one week. Pharmacokinetic blood sampling was done up to 24 h post-dose. Simvastatin was measured using Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry with a validated method. The geometric mean ratios for maximum plasma concentration (Cmax) and area under the plasma-concentration-time curve from time zero to the last observed concentration at time 24 h (AUC0-24) were used for bioequivalence. Results: All 24 participants, 12 males and 12 females, completed the study. Mean age was 24.21 years, mean weight was 58.81 kg, and mean BMI was 23.16 kg/m2. The ratios of Cmax and AUC0-24 were 102.17% (90% CI: 89.19-117.03), and 101.29% (90% CI: 86.87-118.10), respectively, and were both within the bioequivalence limits of 80% to 125%. No adverse event was reported and both formulations were well-tolerated. Conclusions Simvastatin 20 mg tablet of Pascual Laboratories, Inc. and the innovator Zocor 20 mg tablet are bioequivalent. Single two-tablet doses of both products are safe and well tolerated.
Simvastatin ; Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors

Radiation recall dermatitis gap (RRD) is the development of an inflammatory reaction throughout a previously irradiated area, precipitated by the administration of certain drugs. Usually chemotherapeutic agents have been associated with RRD, but other drugs reported include tamoxifen, interferon alfa-2b, simvastatin, and antituberculous drugs. We present a case of RRD after chemotherapy with letrozol (Femara(R)). Letrozol is a third generation aromatase inhibitor, which acts as an anti-estrogen agent. This is the first reported case of RRD triggered by letrozol.
Aromatase ; Drug Therapy ; Interferons ; Radiodermatitis* ; Simvastatin ; Tamoxifen

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The inhibition of cholesterol absorption by ezetimibe increases cholesterol synthesis. The effect of inhibition of cholesterol synthesis on cholesterol absorption is controversial. The influence of these interactions on cholesterol levels is unknown. We investigated on the extent to which cholesterol levels were affected by the reaction of one pathway to the inhibition of the other pathway. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: This case-controlled study enrolled 198 patients who needed cholesterol-lowering drugs. Ezetimibe (10 mg) was administered to the patients with (n=58) and without on-going statin therapy (n=58). Simvastatin (20 mg) was administered to the patients treated with (n=41) and without ezetimibe (n=41). RESULTS: Ezetimibe without statin lowered the total cholesterol by 13.3+/-8.8% (p<0.001) and the low density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C) by 18.7+/-15.3% (p<0.001). Ezetimibe added to statin decreased the total cholesterol by 21.1+/-7.7% (p<0.001) and the LDL-C by 29.9+/-12.6% (p<0.001). The total cholesterol and LDL-C were reduced more by ezetimibe in patients with statin therapy than in those without statin therapy (p<0.001 and p<0.001, respectively). The differences in the effect of simvastatin on total cholesterol and LDL-C between the patients with and without ezetimibe showed borderline significance (p=0.10 and p=0.055, respectively). CONCLUSION: A prior inhibition of cholesterol synthesis by statin enhanced the effect of ezetimibe on total cholesterol and LDL-C by 7.8% and 11.2%, respectively. This finding suggests that ezetimibe increased cholesterol synthesis, resulting in a significant elevation of cholesterol levels.
Absorption ; Case-Control Studies ; Cholesterol ; Humans ; Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors* ; Lipoproteins ; Simvastatin ; Ezetimibe

OBJECTIVETo study the effects of Simvastatin on the osteoblast activity of human periodontal ligament (PDL) cells.

METHODSThe third passage human PDL were cultured in conditional mineralization medium with different concentrations of Simvastatin. The cells were divided into A group (0 mol/L), B group (1 x 10(-9) mol/L), C group (1 x 10(-8) mol/L), D group (1 x 10(-7) mol/L) and E group (1 x 10(-6) mol/L). Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, osteopontin (OPN) and capability of mineralization were measured.

RESULTSDifferentiation osteoblast and mineralization of human PDL were improved in all treatment groups with different concentrations of Simvastatin (1 x 10(-9), 1 x 10(-8), 1 x 10(-7), 1 x 10(-6) mol/L). Compared with control group, statistically significant differences were found in 1 x 10(-8) mol/L, 1 x 10(-7) mol/L and 1 x 10(-6) mol/L groups (P<0.05). The maximum effect was observed at the concentration of 1 x 10(-7) mol/L.

CONCLUSIONOptimal concentration of Simvastatin can improve the osteoblastic activity of human PDL.

Alkaline Phosphatase ; Cell Differentiation ; Cells, Cultured ; Humans ; Osteoblasts ; Osteogenesis ; Osteopontin ; Periodontal Ligament ; Simvastatin

PURPOSE: To observe and evaluate the effects of Simvastatin-induced osteogenesis on the wound healing of defective bone. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 64 defective bones were created in the parietal bone of 32 New Zealand White rabbits. The defects were grafted with collagen matrix carriers mixed with Simvastatin solution in the experimental group of 16 rabbits and with collagen matrix carriers mixed with water in the controlled group. The rabbits were terminated at an interval of 3, 5, 7, and 9 days, 2, 4, 6, and 8 weeks after the formation of defective bone. The wound healing was evaluated by soft X-ray radiography. The tissues within defective bones were evaluated through the analysis of flow cytometry for the manifestation of Runx2 and Osteocalcin, and observed histopathologically by using H-E stain and Masson-Trichrome stain. RESULTS: 1. In the experimental group, flow cytometry revealed more manifestation of Runx2 at 5, 7, and 9 days and Osteocalcin at 2 weeks than in the controlled groups, but there was few difference in comparison with the controlled group. 2. In the experimental group, flow cytometry revealed considerably more cells and erythrocytes at 5, 7, and 9 days in comparison with the controlled group. 3. In the experimental group, soft x-ray radiography revealed the extended formation of trabeculation at 2, 4, 6, and 8 weeks. 4. histopathological features of the experimental group showed more fibroblasts and newly formed vessels at 5 and 7 days, and the formation of osteoid tissues at 9 days, and the newly formed trabeculations at 4 and 6 weeks. CONCLUSION: As the induced osteogenesis by Simvastatin, there was few contrast of the manifestation between Runx2 and Osteocalcin based on the differentiation of osteoblasts. But it was considered that the more formation of cells and erythrocytes depending on newly formed vessels in the experimental group obviously had an effect on the bone regeneration.
Collagen ; Erythrocytes ; Fibroblasts ; Flow Cytometry ; Osteoblasts ; Osteocalcin ; Osteogenesis ; Parietal Bone ; Rabbits ; Simvastatin ; Transplants ; Water ; Wound Healing