A novel study clarifies how cholesterol medications might induce muscle impairment, opening a prospect for creating new therapeutics.
Statins enhance cardiovascular health by lowering cholesterol levels and reducing the likelihood of heart attacks and strokes. Nevertheless, many patients experience adverse reactions: muscle aches, weakness, and in seldom instances, severe damage to muscle tissue, which can likewise harm the kidneys.
Researchers from the University of British Columbia, alongside colleagues from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, unveiled the molecular pathway of these side effects. The findings are published in Nature Communications.
The scientists employed cryo-electron microscopy—a technique that allows visualization of proteins in extremely high detail. The team observed how statins interact with a vital muscle protein, the ryanodine receptor (RyR1). This receptor governs the flow of calcium within myocytes and opens during muscle contraction. However, when statins bind to it, the calcium channel is forcibly opened, causing an uncontrolled calcium leak. This imbalance can harm surrounding muscle fibers. This explains why some patients feel muscle pain or (in extreme situations) develop life-threatening complications.
The research utilized atorvastatin—one of the most common drugs in this class. The scientists surmise that an analogous outcome may be present with other statins.
The investigators emphasize: this work represents major progress, as there is now insight into how to design statins that will not affect muscle tissue.
Serious muscle damage occurs in only a small fraction of the 200 million people taking statins globally. Milder symptoms are more frequent, leading patients to discontinue treatment. The new data will aid in averting these issues and boosting adherence to essential therapy.
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