Monascus purpureus for statin and ezetimibe intolerant heterozygous familial hypercholesterolaemia patients: A clinical study. (November 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Stefanutti, Claudia; Mazza, Fabio; Mesce, Dario; Morozzi, Claudia; Di Giacomo, Serafina; Vitale, Marco; Pergolini, Mario
• Is Part Of: Atherosclerosis. Volume 30(2017)
• Page Start: 86
• Page End: 91
• Publication Date: 2017-11
• Subjects: Hypercholesterolaemia -- Statin-intolerance -- Monascus purpureus -- Monacolin K -- Red rice; Atherosclerosis -- Periodicals; Cardiovascular system -- Diseases -- Periodicals; Periodicals; 616.136
• DOI: 10.1016/j.atherosclerosissup.2017.05.021
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1567-5688

Abstract

Abstract: Background: Hypercholesterolaemia is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease and requires effective therapy in affected patients. Statins, the mainstay of lipid-lowering therapy, can cause side effects, including myalgia, in some patients. Ezetimibe, is frequently used as an add-on therapy for statins, and is also used as a monotherapy in statin-intolerant patients, however elevations in liver transaminases can occur. We examined the lipid-lowering efficacy of the natural fungal product Monascus purpureus (MP), which contains the natural statin monacolin K. Methods: Fifty-five patients with familial hypercholesterolaemia who had discontinued statins due to muscle symptoms. Patients were placed on a lipid-lowering diet cholesterol-lowering diet (1500–1800 kcal daily, 30% lipids, 19% proteins and 52% carbohydrates). MP was added to the diet at a dose of 300 mg (providing monacolin K 10 mg). Patients were followed for 12 months. Lipid profiles and adverse event data were collected in the normal course of patient care. Results: After 6 months of treatment with MP and diet therapy, statistically significant changes in low-density lipoprotein cholesterol were evident (−17% for males, −16% for females; p < 0.005) Levels fell to −24% and −27% respectively at 12 months. No patients experienced elevated serum aminotransferases or C-reactive protein levels. Conclusions: MP is a viable option for lipid-lowering therapy in statin-intolerant patients with hypercholesterolaemia, with good efficacy and safety profiles.