Administering ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) to counteract the effects of statins on glucose intolerance and diabetes
A bottle of Ranbaxy Laboratories Ltd.’s atorvastatin calcium tablets arranged for a photograph, February 20, 2014. | Photo Credit: Dhiraj Singh/Bloomberg
Administering ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) can stave off the tendency of statins to induce glucose intolerance and diabetes, a study by a group of researchers in China has found.
Significance
Statins are widely prescribed for individuals at high risk of cardiovascular disease, but they have been linked to an increased risk of developing diabetes. This study sheds light on a potential solution to mitigate this risk.
Features
The study involved tracking the metabolism of individuals taking atorvastatin and those not taking the medication, as well as conducting experiments on mice to understand the mechanism by which statins affect glucose intolerance.
Objectives
The researchers aimed to identify how statins contribute to glucose intolerance and test whether administering UDCA could prevent or reverse this effect.
Effects
The study found that UDCA restored impaired glucose homeostasis in individuals taking statins without limiting the lipid-lowering effect of the medication.
Pros and Cons
While the study suggests a potential solution to the detrimental effects of statins on glucose metabolism, further research is needed to confirm these findings and assess any potential drawbacks of UDCA supplementation.
Fun Fact
UDCA, a bile acid, has also been studied for its potential benefits in various liver conditions and has shown promising results in improving liver function.
Mutiple Choice Questions
1. What is one of the main findings of the study by researchers in China regarding the use of statins?
A. Statins can increase the risk of developing cardiovascular disease
B. Statins can induce glucose intolerance and diabetes
C. Statins have no effect on glucose metabolism
D. Statins are not essential medicines according to the World Health Organisation
Correct Answer: B. Statins can induce glucose intolerance and diabetes
Explanation: The study found that statins can induce glucose intolerance and diabetes in some individuals.
2. What is the mechanism through which statins could increase glucose intolerance, as reported in the study?
A. Involving the abundance of bacteria of the genus Clostridium
B. Involving the activity of hydroxysteroid dehydrogenases
C. Involving the production of LDL cholesterol
D. Involving the administration of UDCA
Correct Answer: A. Involving the abundance of bacteria of the genus Clostridium
Explanation: The study reported that the faeces of those taking atorvastatin had a reduced abundance of bacteria of the genus Clostridium, which could increase glucose intolerance.
3. What role does UDCA play in the study’s findings?
A. UDCA inhibits the production of LDL cholesterol
B. UDCA restores impaired glucose homeostasis
C. UDCA increases the risk of diabetes
D. UDCA is ineffective in improving lipid-lowering effects
Correct Answer: B. UDCA restores impaired glucose homeostasis
Explanation: The study found that administering UDCA can restore impaired glucose homeostasis induced by statins without limiting the lipid-lowering effect.
4. What is the significance of the study’s findings according to Dr. Mohan?
A. The findings suggest that statins should not be prescribed
B. The findings confirm the benefits of statins outweighing the risks
C. The findings suggest UDCA is harmful to health
D. The findings call for further research to confirm the results
Correct Answer: D. The findings call for further research to confirm the results
Explanation: Dr. Mohan mentioned that the underlying hypothesis of the study will have to be tested in randomized clinical trials to confirm the findings.
Brief Summary | UPSC – IAS
A study conducted in China found that administering ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) alongside atorvastatin can prevent the development of glucose intolerance and diabetes, which can be induced by statins. Statins are commonly prescribed to prevent cardiovascular diseases by blocking the production of LDL cholesterol. Although statins have been associated with an increased risk of diabetes, UDCA was found to decrease this risk by influencing gut bacteria and bile acid levels. This discovery could potentially lead to better management of the side effects of statins. However, further research is needed to confirm these findings in clinical trials.
