HMGCoA Reductase Gene Affects Statin Drug Efficacy
Statins are prescribed to lower blood cholesterol either via blocking the production of cholesterol or enabling cholesterol reabsorption. Although statins can reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke, their effectiveness varies between individuals and they appear to be less effective in blacks.
Researchers have found that the HMGCoA reductase gene, which produces an enzyme involved in the production of cholesterol, influences the effectiveness of statin drugs*.
- Of the 35 blacks who carried haplotype 7, statins did not reduce their low density lipoprotein (LDL) aka bad cholesterol as much as other blacks with different haplotypes.
- In whites, there was no correlation between haplotype 7 and statin response.
- Of the 10 study participants (nine blacks and one white) who carried the two haplotypes associated with a change in statin response, their LDL levels decreased by only 24.5 percent compared to a 42 percent reduction in those who did not carry the two haplotypes.
Dr. Ronald Krauss, director of atherosclerosis research at Children’s Hospital Oakland Research Institute in California:
This is just one gene and two haplotypes, and there are certainly many more genes involved. But an understanding of the basis for these genetic differences in statin response could lead to improved treatments for reducing LDL levels.
Commonly prescribed statins include: atorvastatin (Lipitor), fluvastatin (Lescol), lovastatin (Mevacor), pravastatin (Pravachol), rosuvastatin calcium (Crestor), simvastatin (Zocor).
Reuters, November 14, 2005
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POSTED IN: General Genetics and Health
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