What can you tell me about Cholesterol? #2

Statins lower cholesterol by blocking the enzyme responsible for cholesterol production (3-hydroxy-3-methyl-glutaryl-CoA reductase or HMGR) in the liver. Statins may also help the body reabsorb cholesterol that has built up in plaques on artery walls, preventing further blockage in blood vessels and heart attacks.

However, in blocking HMGR, statins also inhibit the production of other important intermediates downstream in the pathway, including coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), dolichols, hemes and other proteins. Since these intermediates are inhibited by statins, many patients experience side effects ranging from myopathy to anemia and chronic fatigue syndrome, and even temporary memory loss. Patients on statins must also keep in mind most people take them for the rest of their lives. Side effects may be minor, but they could be there forever.

Those who use statins to manage cholesterol levels are often concerned with CoQ10 levels because it shares the biosynthetic pathway with cholesterol. CoQ10 is produced by the human body and is necessary for the basic functioning of cells. Statin usage is known to deplete CoQ10 levels,1 so supplementation is encouraged for those on these drugs. Healthy levels of CoQ10 can reduce the oxidation of LDL cholesterol–the first step in the formation of arterial plaque.2 Further, Italian research showed CoQ10 has a “direct, anti‐atherogenic effect,” and dietary supplementation with CoQ10 resulted in increased levels of ubiquinol‐10 within circulating lipoproteins and increased resistance of human LDL to lipid peroxidation.3

Tocotrienols also inhibit HMGR’s cholesterol synthesis, but does it farther downstream in the process rather than by competitive inhibition. Tocotrienols are members of the vitamin E family and come in alpha, beta, gamma and delta forms. Vitamin E is also made up of four tocopherols (alpha, beta, gamma and delta). Tocotrienols are found in select vegetable oils, wheat germ, barley, saw palmetto, and certain types of nuts and grains.

Tocotrienols work differently than statins by “dialing down” cholesterol synthesis downstream in the process rather than by competitive inhibition. Unlike statins, American River Nutrition pilot studies showed CoQ10 levels increased by 20 percent when patients were taking 75 mg/d of its DeltaGold® tocopherol-free tocotrienol ingredient. Company studies have also shown 75 mg/d annatto tocotrienol/d decreased total cholesterol by 13 percent and LDL by 15 percent, while HDL levels showed a small, but insignificant increase.

http://www.naturalproductsinsider.com/articles/2010/12/natural-approaches-to-hdl-ldl-and-total-cholesterol.aspx

http://www.depsyl.com/

http://back2basicnutrition.com/

http://bionutritionalresearch.olhblogspace.com/