A recent study has shed light on one way in which statins, a commonly prescribed medication for individuals at risk of cardiovascular disease, can lead to glucose intolerance and diabetes. The research, conducted by a group of scientists in China, revealed that a deficiency in Clostridium bacteria within the gut microbiome could impact bile acid synthesis and hinder glucose metabolism.
Statins, which are included in the World Health Organisation’s list of essential medicines and are widely used to lower LDL cholesterol levels, have been associated with an increased risk of developing diabetes. Despite this potential side effect, healthcare professionals have continued to recommend their use due to the significant benefits they offer in managing cardiovascular health.
However, the specific mechanism through which statins contribute to glucose intolerance has remained unclear. The study, published in Cell Metabolism, identified a potential link between statins and glucose intolerance involving a bile acid known as ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA).
The researchers observed that individuals taking atorvastatin, a type of statin, exhibited a reduced presence of Clostridium bacteria in their fecal samples, resulting in altered bile acid profiles. This alteration in the gut microbiome was found to inhibit certain enzymes and decrease UDCA levels, potentially impacting bile acid synthesis, excretion, and glucose metabolism.
Further investigations conducted on mice supported the idea that a microbiome deficient in Clostridium bacteria could influence bile acid synthesis, excretion, and impair glucose metabolism. To explore the role of UDCA, the researchers administered UDCA to individuals taking statins and observed a significant decrease in their HbA1C levels, indicating an improvement in glucose homeostasis without compromising the lipid-lowering effects of the statin medication.
These findings offer a potential solution to counteract the adverse effects of statins on glucose metabolism. By administering UDCA, healthcare providers may be able to mitigate the risk of developing glucose intolerance and diabetes in individuals undergoing statin therapy. This discovery presents promising implications for enhancing the safety and effectiveness of statin treatment, providing a glimmer of hope for individuals concerned about the potential impact of these medications on their metabolic health.
