The common.js file loads the javascript needed to prompt help when filling in forms. If javascript is not enabled, pop up help boxes will not appear. The cssAccess.js file loads the javascript needed to activate the alternate style sheet on the accessibility page. If javascript is not enabled, standard a standard cascading style sheet will be used throughout. Home

Home

Information About...

Information For...

About Us

Support

Resources

Bookstore

News

Events

Links

Home -> Harris et al 2004 - Statin treatment alters serum n-3 and n-6 fatty acids in hypercholesterolemic patients

Statin treatment alters serum n-3 and n-6 fatty acids in hypercholesterolemic patients

Harris, J. I., Hibbeln, J. R., Mackey, R. H., Muldoon, M. F. (2004) Prostaglandins Leukot Essent Fatty Acids 71(4) 236-9

Web URL: Licensed users of PLEFA (via Science Direct) can view the full text of this paper here

Abstract: Statins are highly effective cholesterol-lowering drugs but may have broader effects on metabolism. This investigation examined effects of simvastatin on serum levels of n-6 and n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs). Subjects were 106 healthy adults with hypercholesterolemia randomly assigned to receive placebo or 40 mg simvastatin daily for 24 weeks. Serum fatty acids were analyzed by gas chromatography. Total fatty acid concentration fell 22% in subjects receiving simvastatin (P<.001), with similar declines across most fatty acids. However, concentrations of arachidonic acid (AA, 20:4n-6), eicosapentanoic acid (EPA, 20:5n-3) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, 22:6n-3) were unchanged. Relative percentages of linoleic acid (LA, 18:2n-6) and alpha-linolenic acid (LNA, 18:3n-3), decreased while AA and DHA increased (P's < or = .007). In addition, simvastatin increased the AA:EPA ratio from 15.5 to 18.8 (P<.01), and tended to increase the AA:DHA ratio (P=.053). Thus, simvastatin lowered serum fatty acid concentrations while also altering the relative percentages of important PUFAs.

See Also

To read pdf documents on this site you may need to download Adobe Acrobat Reader. Get it here.

Website Glossary If you hover your mouse over words that appear underlined with a blue, dashed line, a definition of that word will appear as a 'tooltip'. You may find further information about the term in our Glossary Section.

Important Notice Medical opinion and guidance should always be sought for any symptoms that might possibly reflect a known or suspected disease, disorder or medical condition. Information provided on this website (or by FAB Research via any other means) does not in any way constitute advice on the treatment of any medical condition formally diagnosed or otherwise.