The statins have a moderate lowering effect upon triglycerides, one hypothesis suggesting an inhibitory effect upon liver VLDL synthesis. Because VLDL synthesis is related to other hepatic protein synthesis we studied the effect of Simvastatin upon serum cholinesterase activity and factor VII activity, which are also synthetized at hepatic level.
Methods: 39 patients with ischaemic heart disease, proved by coronarography and moderate hypercholesterolaemia received for two months 20 mg Simvastatin (Zocor). The value of total Co, LDLCo, HDLCo, triglycerides, serum cholinesterase activity and factor VII activity were determined before and after treatment, by standard methods.
Results: Triglycerides were, together with total Co, significantly lowered during the two months treatment with Simvastatin, but the values of serum cholinesterase and factor VII activity were not significantly modified. This suggests that moderate doses of Simvastatin do not depress liver protein synthesis.
Conclusion: Simvastatin does not lower the triglycerides level through depression of liver protein syntesis, other mechanisms being probably involved.