However, recent research from Professor Amitabha Chattopadhyay’s group at CSIR-CCMB shows that statins can also cause changes in the structure of cells, which can lead to adverse effects.
The structure of the cell, called the cytoskeleton, is made of proteins such as actin, which form polymers. They are located underneath the plasma membrane that surrounds every cell in the human body, helping the cell maintain its shape and size.
Professor Chattopadhyay’s research shows that statins can induce actin polymerization, in addition to lowering cholesterol.
Published year Journal of Lipid Research (of the American Society of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology), research indicates that statins affect actins as a result of multiple cellular signaling pathways.
Dr Parijat Sarkar, first author, said: “Our results constitute one of the first comprehensive reports to explore the underlying mechanistic basis of the interplay between cellular actin levels and cell metabolism. cholesterol biosynthesis, and provides the molecular basis for the reported adverse effects of statin treatment. of the article.
Professor Chattopadhyay said: “These findings may provide important clues in the analysis of the biochemical processes that give rise to the side effects of statins, thereby helping to develop better drugs in the future. .
Source: IANS
