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Cholesterol Medication Could Stop MS

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Zehra Morçimen


The use of statins, known as lipid-lowering drugs and used to lower high cholesterol levels in the blood, in patients with Multiple Sclerosis had a positive effect on the disease. When patients using daily statins were compared with those using placebo, reductions in MS-related coordination problems and brain damage were observed.



Scientists began research to discover this healing aspect of the drug. Fungi-derived statins have not been developed as a target to a specific molecule. Therefore, although it has been used as a therapeutic for many years, its mechanism of action is still not understood.


Observed by researchers at University College London (UCL), 120 patients with secondary progressive MS given a daily dose of (80mg) simvastatin for 2 years had 43% less brain volume loss compared to patients given a placebo drug. However, the weakness levels of the patients also progressed more slowly.


The study, published in the proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, reported that statins benefit patients with MS in a different way than lowering cholesterol. One of his hypotheses is related to the fact that statins act on other elements produced in the pre-cholesterol pathways and cause changes in the immune system accordingly.

Dr Arman Eshaghi says that if the study is successful, they will initiate the licensing process for the routine use of statins in MS.

Prof. Jeremy Chataway added: "While it's early to talk, we believe simvastatin can change lives." says.

Statins are used as daily tablet therapy in approximately 7 million high cholesterol patients.

The drug has been shown to have a neuroprotective effect on the nervous system and may function as an anti-inflammatory therapeutic agent.


Source: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/science/2019/05/10/statins-may-hold-key-stopping-multiple-sclerosis-say-ucl-scientists/



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