Re-examining the role of the gut microbiota in the conversion of the lipid-lowering statin monacolin K (lovastatin) into its active β-hydroxy acid metabolite. Issue 4 (18th March 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Beltrán, D.; Frutos-Lisón, M. D.; Espín, J. C.; García-Villalba, R.
• Is Part Of: Food & function. Volume 10:Issue 4(2019)
• Page Start: 1787
• Page End: 1791
• Publication Date: 2019-03-18
• Subjects: Food -- Analysis -- Periodicals; Food -- Composition -- Periodicals; Nutrition -- Periodicals; 664.07
• DOI: 10.1039/c8fo02594k
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2042-6496

Abstract

Abstract : The inter-conversion between MK and MKA depends on the pH whereas MKA was unequivocally catabolised by the gut microbiota. Abstract : Monacolin K (MK, lovastatin), a naturally occurring statin, only exerts lipid-lowering effects in its active β-hydroxy acid form (MKA). This activation was thought to be mediated by the gut microbiota (GM). We report here for the first time that the GM does not convert MK into MKA (a spontaneous pH-dependent conversion) but catabolises MKA. The GM might hamper the lipid-lowering effects by degrading the active metabolite MKA.