Simvastatin Does Not Affect Vitamin D Status, but Low Vitamin D Levels Are Associated with Dyslipidemia: Results from a Randomised, Controlled Trial. (20th July 2009)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Rejnmark, Lars; Vestergaard, Peter; Heickendorff, Lene; Mosekilde, Leif
• Other Names: Tangpricha Vin Academic Editor.
• Is Part Of: International journal of endocrinology. Volume 2010(2010)
• Publication Date: 2009-07-20
• Subjects: Endocrinology -- Periodicals; Endocrinology; Endocrinology -- Periodicals; Endocrine System Diseases -- Periodicals; Periodicals; 616.4
• DOI: 10.1155/2010/957174
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1687-8337

Abstract

Abstract : Objectives . Statin drugs act as inhibitors of the 3-hydroxy-3methylglutaryl coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase enzyme early in the mevalonate pathway, thereby reducing the endogenous cholesterol synthesis. In recent studies, it has been suggested from epidemiological data that statins also may improve vitamin D status, as measured by increased plasma 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD) levels. We now report the results from a randomised controlled trial on effects of simvastatin on plasma 25OHD levels. Design and Methods . We randomised 82 healthy postmenopausal women to one year of treatment with either simvastatin 40 mg/d or placebo and performed measurement at baseline and after 26 and 52 weeks of treatment. The study was completed by 77 subjects. Results . Compared with placebo, plasma levels of cholesterol and low-density lipoproteins decreased in response to treatment with simvastatin, but our study showed no effect of simvastatin on vitamin D status. However, plasma levels of triglycerides were inversely associated with tertiles of plasma 25OHD levels and changes in plasma triglycerides levels correlated inversely with seasonal changes in vitamin D status. Conclusion . Our data do not support a pharmacological effect of statins on vitamin D status, but do suggest that vitamin D may influence plasma lipid profile and thus be of importance to cardiovascular health.