Simvastatin & Celiac Disease

Why in News?

A recent study from the University of the Basque Country (EHU) suggests that simvastatin, a drug already approved for use in humans, can reduce inflammation associated with celiac disease.

Key Aspects of the Study

• Researchers found that simvastatin reverses specific RNA modifications triggered by viral infections, which otherwise cause, promote, or exacerbate the inflammatory response in celiac patients.
• Mechanism - The study focused on how viral infections leave a "footprint" on RNA, leading to methylation that drives inflammation.
• Drug Action - Simvastatin was found to modulate these RNA modifications, lowering inflammatory levels in laboratory settings.
• Study Stage - While promising, this research is in the early, pre-clinical phase, with findings based on cell cultures and biopsies.
• Alternative Approaches - Other experimental therapies, such as the transglutaminase 2 inhibitor ZED1227, are also in trials to block gluten-induced intestinal damage.

Celiac disease

• It is an inherited autoimmune disease.
• It causes a reaction in human body to a protein called gluten.
• When humans eat gluten, it triggers an abnormal response from the immune system.
• The immune system attacks the gluten in the digestive system, causing inflammation.
• Inflammation damages the inside of the small intestine.
• This makes it harder for your intestine to absorb nutrients from your food.
• Cause - Autoimmune reaction triggered by gluten
• Leads to inflammation and damage of intestinal villi
• Results in poor nutrient absorption (malabsorption)
• Symptoms - In children - Chronic diarrhea, Abdominal pain, bloating, Weight loss, stunted growth.
• In adults – Fatigue, Anemia (iron deficiency), Bone pain (due to calcium/vitamin D deficiency)
• Skin rash (dermatitis herpetiformis)
• Some individuals may be asymptomatic.
• Treatment - Strict lifelong gluten-free diet
• By Avoiding wheat, barley, rye.
• Safe foods are rice, maize, millets, fruits, vegetables.

Reference

News Medical | simvastatin