Statin Drugs such as Lipitor May Increase Risk of Breast Cancer and Impaired Heart Function

Statin Drugs (Lipitor, Mevacor, Crestor, Zocor, Pravachol, Lescol) May Increase Risk of Breast Cancer and Impaired Heart Function due to Coenzyme Q10 deficiency.

It is well known that Statin drugs, used to reduce cholesterol, seriously deplete the body of Coenzyme Q10, a nutrient that is not only heart protective but also important for breast cancer protection in women too. Researchers believe women on long term use of Statin medications may have a higher risk of developing breast cancer.

Health warning: Millions of Americans take statin drugs to reduce cholesterol. All of the statins, Lipitor, Mevacor, Pravachol, Lovacol, etc., inhibit CoQ10 production in the body(and transport, it is believed by some researchers, including Dr. Bliznakov) and thus are a threat to health in general and to heart health in particular.

According to Emile G. Bliznakov, MD and CoQ10 researcher for decades,
"I unearthed an important aspect of this story within two statin patents. Two U.S. patents were granted to Merck(Pharmaceutical Company) in 1990 describing a method for counteracting the statin-associated myopathy and potential nerve damage caused by statins. The method described was the addition of CoQ10 to compensate for the reduced production of CoQ-10 caused by the statins. Thus the manufacturer itself implicated the serious side effects of statins and the protective role played by CoQ-10 in preventing these statin side-effects. The manufacturer has not disseminated these data for 12 years, which incriminates them seriously."

from Whole Foods Magazine February 2003
Mutations in mitochondrial DNA may lead to reduced ATP energy levels in living cells which can sometimes be corrected with supplemental coenzyme Q10. [Ann Clin Lab Sci 31:25-67, 2001]

When living cells are deprived of oxygen, as seen in tumor cells (called hypoxia), then ATP cell energy levels decline rapidly. The provision of supplemental CoQ10 has been shown to facilitate resynthesis of ATP in functionally impaired mitochondria. [Arch Int Pharmacodyn Ther 287: 96-108, 1987; Surgery 91:631-7, 1982]

A deficiency of coenzyme Q10 has been described in aging, cancer and when statin cholesterol-lowering drugs are employed. [J Am Coll Nutr 20: 591-98, 2001]

For example, CoQ10 levels in tissue of breast cancer patients are significantly decreased compared to surrounding tissues. [Clin Biochem 33: 279-84, 2000] Breast cancer patients are more likely to exhibit low CoQ10 levels than healthy people. [Biochem Biophys Rres Commun 234: 296-99, 1997]

The provision of supplemental CoQ10 (390 mg) to breast cancer patients has been shown to induce complete regression in some cases. [Biochem Biophys Res Comm 199: 1504-08, 1994; 212: 172-77, 1995]

Though only a small group study, the provision of an array of antioxidant supplements including coenzyme Q10 to high risk breast cancer patients has been demonstrated to be beneficial in reducing mortality, spread of cancer and quality of life. [Mol Aspects Med 15: 231-40S, 1994]