Statins increase the risk of liver damage

This study was published in the Medical Journal of Basrah University Vol: 25, No: 1 2007

Study title and authors:
Comparative Effects of Lovastatin and Simvastatin on Liver Function tests in Hyperlipidaemic Patients
Zena Sattam, Hamad Al-Jubori, Isam Hamo Mahmood
This study can be accessed at: http://www.iasj.net/iasj?func=fulltext&aId=48121

Drug-induced liver damage has become an important public health problem, contributing to more than 50% of acute liver failure cases, and there have been observations of a large number of liver failure cases on statin therapy. 

In liver function tests, liver damage is confirmed with increased levels of bilirubin and the liver enzymes; Alanine transaminase, aspartate aminotransferase and alkaline phosphatase.

This study measured the effects of statins on liver function tests. The study included: 

(i) 53 patients, aged 35-60 years, took simvastatin therapy. The simvastatin dose ranged from 10 to 20mg a day. Duration of treatment ranged from one month to four years. (Simvastatin group).
(ii) 42 patients, aged 38-60, took lovastatin therapy. The lovastatin dose ranged from 10 to 20mg a day. Duration of treatment ranged from one month to three years. (Lovastatin group).
(iii) A control group of 50 subjects, aged 35-58 who did not take statins. (No-statin group).

The study found:
(a) The alanine transaminase levels of the lovastatin group were 113% higher than the no-statin group.
(b) The aspartate aminotransferase levels of the lovastatin group were 90% higher than the no-statin group.
(c) The alkaline phosphatase levels of the lovastatin group were 11% higher than the no-statin group.(d) The bilirubin levels of the lovastatin group were 40% higher than the no-statin group.
(e) The alanine transaminase levels of the high dose (20 mg a day) lovastatin group were 181% higher than the no-statin group.
(f) The aspartate aminotransferase levels of the high dose (20 mg a day) lovastatin group were 151% higher than the no-statin group.
(g) The alkaline phosphatase levels of the high dose (20 mg a day) lovastatin group were 20% higher than the no-statin group.
(h) The bilirubin levels of the high dose (20 mg a day) lovastatin group were 72% higher than the no-statin group.
(i) The alanine transaminase levels of the long term usage (over 12 months) lovastatin group were 333% higher than the no-statin group.
(j) The aspartate aminotransferase levels of the long term usage (over 12 months) lovastatin group were 321% higher than the no-statin group.
(k) The alkaline phosphatase levels of the long term usage (over 12 months) lovastatin group were 24% higher than the no-statin group.
(l) The bilirubin levels of the long term usage (over 12 months) lovastatin group were 145% higher than the no-statin group.
(m) The alanine transaminase levels of the simvastatin group were 103% higher than the no-statin group.
(n) The aspartate aminotransferase levels of the simvastatin group were 60% higher than the no-statin group.
(o) The alkaline phosphatase levels of the simvastatin group were 6% higher than the no-statin group.(p) The bilirubin levels of the simvastatin group were 45% higher than the no-statin group.
(q) The alanine transaminase levels of the high dose (20 mg a day) simvastatin group were 150% higher than the no-statin group.
(r) The aspartate aminotransferase levels of the high dose (20 mg a day) simvastatin group were 102% higher than the no-statin group.
(s) The alkaline phosphatase levels of the high dose (20 mg a day) simvastatin group were 3% higher than the no-statin group.
(t) The bilirubin levels of the high dose (20 mg a day) simvastatin group were 55% higher than the no-statin group.
(u) The alanine transaminase levels of the long term usage (over 12 months) simvastatin group were 255% higher than the no-statin group.
(v) The aspartate aminotransferase levels of the long term usage (over 12 months) simvastatin group were 240% higher than the no-statin group.
(w) The alkaline phosphatase levels of the long term usage (over 12 months) simvastatin group were 3% higher than the no-statin group.
(x) The bilirubin levels of the long term usage (over 12 months) simvastatin group were 83% higher than the no-statin group.

The results from this study revealed significant increases of alanine transaminase, aspartate aminotransferase and bilirubin levels in the lovastatin group compared with the control group and significant increases of alanine transaminase and bilirubin in the simvastatin group when compared with the control group.

The study also revealed that the higher the dose of the statin or the longer the dose of the statin generally correlated with increased levels of the liver enzymes.

Cute Baby Chronicles: Catching up

Written on December 18, 2014...

After the initial surge of excitement which I didn't feel OK to share right away (so frustrating!) I stopped writing altogether. I'm not sure why, but I guess I was just trying to stay in the moment and experience everything as opposed to focusing on chronicling it. This post is catching us up closer to the present....

As is my habit, I've been consuming tons of information about pregnancy, child birth, and babies. I'm a bit obsessive like that. It's mostly podcasts and blogs at this stage. I just don't have the patience for books. I've listened to almost all the Pregtastic, Preggie Pals, and Birth, Baby and Life podcasts so far. So much great info!

Now, just at 20 weeks I'm starting to feel like this is really happening. I'm finally starting to show a bit (that took forever!) Careful what you wish for, I'm sure... I no longer obsessively track my food intake, but I'm working to incorporate as much good whole healthy food and I can. I've hardly gained any weight so far (and nothing in the last month before my last appointment), but I'm trying not to see that as either a good or a bad thing. My doctor isn't concerned but warned me that it WAS coming and it would be OK :) My chiefest concern is just getting the nutrition both of us really need right now.

My zeal for prenatal yoga also waned as the first trimester queasiness and fatigue set in. I haven't been to a class in awhile, but have done some at home. Now that I'm starting to feel more like myself, I plan to start attending the classes again. I really did enjoy them!

Yesterday was my latest doctor's appointment and it is so fun to listen to that heartbeat! I also got my first unsolicited "Are you pregnant question" yesterday. It was tentative, but I certainly did appreciate it! Tomorrow Cute Man and I will go for our 20 week ultrasound - the anatomy scan. Can't wait to see the little guy!

And yes, it's going to be a BOY. We already know due to a genetic test we did early on so here's to announcing the impending arrival of Samuel H. Dodson V due on or about May 5, 2015. How crazy would it be if he actually came on that date? Baby Sammy Five born on 5/5/15. Wow :) But, he'll come when he's ready (no elective inductions for me!)

Food Reward Friday

This week's lucky winner... Cheesecake Factory carrot cake!!

Read more »

Special tips to prevent cancer

Excercise to prevent cancer. Image: wallpoper.com

Although everyone has been trying to implement a healthy lifestyle, but due to the disturbed environment due to air pollution, or other reasons, the threat of disease can sometimes come on without notice. 

In addition to heart attacks and high blood pressure, cancer is a disease that is feared because it is very deadly, and not everyone can survive or recover from cancer. But someone who has cancer does not mean always die. Because in some cases there are many patients can be cured and live longer.  

If you want to prevent cancer, the foods that contain antioxidants are believed to fight cancer. Antioxidants can be obtained from green tea, garlic, peppers, and fish. In addition, you also need to avoid harmful radiation, as is also believed to be an appropriate way to avoid cancer.

A few simple things that you can make as tips to prevent cancer can be implemented as follows:

1. Reducing Sugar Intake

Need to know that my friend, the cancer cells are in the body of each person and the cancer cells need sugar to grow. Therefore dude needs to reduce the intake of sweets and starchy like potatoes, rice, and sugar.

2. Reducing red meat consumption.

Beef is one example of a delicious red meat, but red meat may trigger bowel cancer. because red meat contains saturated fat and bad cholesterol. Consume too much red meat can also lead to other diseases such as high blood pressure, and heart disease as a result of increased fat in your blood.

3. Stopping smoking

All smokers are at risk of developing cancer, let's see if the smoke mate in the pack has been given a warning that smoking can cause impotence and cancer. This is because smoking causes most of the body is poisoned. So for the smokers can attack the cancer is not just one part of the body ie the lungs, throat and mouth.

4. Drinking Green Tea

From various studies have shown that green tea can cut cancer risk if consumed regularly. This is because green tea has antioxidants that fight cancer. If you drink green tea, make sure you do not add sugar or milk in your tea.

5. Reduce drinking alcohol

Drinking too much alcohol can increase the risk of cancer, especially for women. For women who frequently consume alcohol it will be more susceptible to breast cancer. Ok .. from now on avoid alcohol

6. Begin eating organic vegetables

Organic vegetables are very good to eat one of them is to avoid cancer. Organic vegetables do not contain pesticides that can help fight cancer. So from now on try to eat organic greens. Now you can buy rice, carrots, or fruit and other vegetables are produced organically and naturally.

7. Begin consuming more fish.

To prevent cancer, the fish is very good because they contain omega-3 fatty acids are very important role to protect against the growth of cancer cells. But do not cook the fish too mature because they contain nutrients can lead to being lost. Make sure you also buy fresh fish from the supermarket or fish market that can be trusted.

8. Reducing red meat consumption.

Beef is one example of a delicious red meat, but red meat may trigger bowel cancer. because red meat contains saturated fat and bad cholesterol. Consume too much red meat can also lead to other diseases such as high blood pressure, and heart disease as a result of increased fat in your blood.

 

                                           Healthy life style can prevent cancer. Image: healthyvore.com

                                          

9. Begin consuming more fish.

To prevent cancer, the fish is very good because they contain omega-3 fatty acids are very important role to protect against the growth of cancer cells. But do not cook the fish too mature because they contain nutrients can lead to being lost. Make sure you also buy fresh fish from the supermarket or fish market that you can trust because of the cleanliness and freshness of the fish that they sell.

10. Regular exercise

By moving and sweating can help eliminate toxins from the body. So to get a healthy sweat you must exercise regularly. Do not attempt strenuous exercise enough to walk or run on the treadmill on a regular basis is enough. 

11. Eating Garlic

Eating garlic very useful because garlic is able to fight cancer at the same time is able to increase the thickness of the body. Koreans and Chinese are known as a nation that likes to eat garlic, and many of the nation's two recipes using garlic as a seasoning. Garlic is also believed to be food to maintain stamina and physical fitness.

12.  Drinking Water

Drinking enough water can help remove toxins in the body. By drinking enough water each day then you can cleanse the body system. If you do not have a problem with kidney drink plenty of water every day, but you need to keep a proper distance when you drink water so your stomach is not bloated. Of course excessive drinking water is also not good for your kidneys and stomach.

Of course there are many other ways that you can carry out to prevent cancer, so you can have a better quality of life. Begin your search for references to maximize search engine such as Google or buy books on health, so that you can get the exact reference so that you are always healthy and happy. Positive mental attitude, smile and enjoy the humor is also a way that you have always believed to make more healthy and passionate, to live a life that is highly competitive.

Cute Baby Chronicles: Containing the Excitement

This was written on August 29, 2014...

I just can't seem to contain this excitement. All I want to do is read pregnancy blogs and listen to podcasts. I've also started mining the internet for good movies. I'm all about my beloved Knocked Up and What to do When You're Expecting, but I need some variety. Suggestions welcome! I've even started looking at maternity clothes online... Soon will come the books, but I just don't have the attention span for those yet! Gotta check Audible...

Meanwhile, mum's the word of course. It feels so weird not to share something I'm THIS excited about, you know? I'm pretty sure I'll wind up spilling the beans to the fam when I visit both sides next weekend. But maybe not. I go back and forth on this. I'm definitely not mentioning it at work for obvious reasons.

As for what I usually talk about here... I'm still tracking my food in My Fitness Pal. Surprised? No, I have not developed Pregorexia (which is a very real and sad thing). However, I know that eating well is super important, now more than ever. Having a detailed record can only be helpful down the road. I changed my settings to "maintain your weight" and it seems like such a boon to eat that much! If I start to feel restricted, I will raise it or ignore the "limit". That is not what I'm doing here -- I'm not counting calories to try and avoid weight gain. I'm sure some WILL happen. But, it does serve me (and Cute Baby) well to keep things on an even keel and not go overboard with weight gain which would make things harder on me in the long run and add stress to my body, which is working hard enough as it is!

I now have my first appointment (with sonogram!) scheduled for a few weeks from now when I'll be around 8 weeks along. It feels so weird to not go in right away, like it isn't even real at this point because an expert hasn't declared me "pregnant". Well, I guess I'll just have to dig deep for some patience.... I took photos of the positive tests and my belly has felt strange all week, like very mild cramps. It might all just be in my head, but I'm rolling with it! If nothing else, my cycle is nowhere to be seen, which is of course, reassuring (and bizarre!)

And I'm very much looking forward to my second ever prenatal yoga class tomorrow :) I'm a happy mama-to-be!

Prenatal Yoga

Still waiting before posting this... Writing on August 28, 2014.

As I mentioned in my previous post, it has been a dream of mine to someday get to go to a prenatal yoga class. It seems so silly, but I was incredibly excited to have finally earned the right to go to one of these classes. The teacher and teaching assistant were both incredibly welcoming and introduced themselves to me right away, realizing I was new to the class despite the fact that the rather large studio room had over 30 women in it. They helped me set up this little incline made out of two yoga blocks and a couple of blankets plus a bolster under the knees. Although not yet necessary for me at this early stage, later on it's not recommended for pregnant women to lay flat on their backs. Regardless, it felt nice and supportive. I enjoyed it! I was just so overwhelmed with gratitude that I even felt some tears as the class got going and I was laying there, comfy and happy where I'd always wanted to be.

The class pace was perfect -- not too fast but definitely challenging. There were a few poses that we did 1 min on/1 min off to practice breathing through discomfort. Although wall-sits are difficult, they are a far cry from labor, I am sure. But the idea is there. You can survive being uncomfortable/in pain for short periods of time, especially if you know it will be intermittent.

The last part of class had us pairing up for some tandem stretching. It was nice to chat and get to know someone else in the class, which I'm sure was why they did that. The class ended with final relaxation in the supportive Sivasana pose in which we started and I again felt the tears come. I still cannot believe this is finally happening but at the same time, I have this incredible sense of peace, knowing it is the right time - the journey to this point has been completely worth it.

Tips to prevent Hepatitis C

You can prevent hepatitis C. Get special tips now and follow the simple instructions today. 

Hepatitis C is a liver disease caused by the hepatitis C, which is found in the blood of persons who have this disease. The infection is spread by contact with the blood of an infected person.

Instructions

Step 1
Hepatitis C (HCV): Hepatitis C is a serious problem for some, but not others. Most persons who get hepatitis C carry the virus for the rest of their lives. Most of these persons have some liver damage but do not feel sick from the disease. Some persons with liver damage due to HCV may develop cirrhosis of the liver and liver failure which may take many years to develop.

Step 2
You can protect yourself from HCV by minimizing your contact with human blood. For example, don’t ever shoot drugs and don’t share toothbrushes, razors, or other personal care articles.

Step 3
HCV can be spread by sex, but this does not occur very often. If you are having sex you should always get tested just to be safe.

Step 4
Hepatitis C is NOT spread by breast feeding, sneezing, hugging, coughing, sharing utensils, food, water, and casual contact.

Step 5
If you think you have Hepatitis C, ask your doctor for a blood test. Early diagnosis will help you avoid liver disease and/or further liver damage.

Tips and Warnings
• Many people who are at risk for hepatitis C are at risk for hepatitis A and B. Check with your doctor to see if you should get hepatitis A and B vaccines.

*)By dasbootjoe, eHow Member