Objective : To estimate the cost-effectiveness of using statins to prevent coronary heart disease (CHD) in men and women with hypercholesterolemia. Methods : A cost-effectiveness analysis of statins (such as, cerivastatin and pravastatin), by using “do-nothing” as a comparator, was conducted from a payer's point of view, based on a randomized controlled trial. By using a Markov model, life-time benefits (life-year gained) and costs were estimated. In the basic analysis, men and women of 50 years old with hypercholesterolemia (TC level ; 275 mg/ dl) were used. Both benefits and costs were discounted by 5% annually. The robustness of the model was tested by a sensitivity analysis.
Results : The cost per life-year gained with cerivastatin was ¥ 3, 480, 000 for men and ¥ 6, 340, 000 for women, respectively. The cost per life-year gained with pravastatin was ¥ 4, 650, 000 for men and¥ 8, 200, 000 for women, respectively. The incremental cost-effectiveness of cerivastatin compared with pravastatin was negative, indicating a low-cost and high-effect. A sensitivity analysis demonstrated the robustness of these results.
Conclusions : According to the Laupacis's criteria, cholesterol-lowering treatment by statins demonstrated the moderate evidence for adoption and appropriate utilization. Since this study is based on a small randomized controlled trial, several post-marketing surveillance studies will be necessary to confirm the validity.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Alzheimer's disease is a neurodegenerative disease that induces symptoms such as a decrease in motor function and cognitive impairment. Increases in the aggregation and deposition of amyloid beta protein (Aβ) in the brain may be closely correlated with the development of Alzheimer's disease. In this study, the effects of an adzuki bean extract on the aggregation of Aβ were examined; moreover, the anti-Alzheimer's activity of the adzuki extract was examined. MATERIALS/METHODS: First, we undertook thioflavin T (ThT) fluorescence analysis and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) to evaluate the effect of an adzuki bean extract on Aβ42 aggregation. To evaluate the effects of the adzuki extract on the symptoms of Alzheimer's disease in vivo, Aβ42-overexpressing Drosophila were used. In these flies, overexpression of Aβ42 induced the formation of Aβ42 aggregates in the brain, decreased motor function, and resulted in cognitive impairment. RESULTS: Based on the results obtained by ThT fluorescence assays and TEM, the adzuki bean extract inhibited the formation of Aβ42 aggregates in a concentration-dependent manner. When Aβ42-overexpressing flies were fed regular medium containing adzuki extract, the Aβ42 level in the brain was significantly lower than that in the group fed regular medium only. Furthermore, suppression of the decrease in motor function, suppression of cognitive impairment, and improvement in lifespan were observed in Aβ42-overexpressing flies fed regular medium with adzuki extract. CONCLUSIONS: The results reveal the delaying effects of an adzuki bean extract on the progression of Alzheimer's disease and provide useful information for identifying novel prevention treatments for Alzheimer's disease.
Alzheimer Disease ; Amyloid beta-Peptides ; Brain ; Cognition Disorders ; Diptera ; Drosophila ; Fluorescence ; Microscopy, Electron, Transmission ; Neurodegenerative Diseases