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Genetic predisposition to atorvastatin-induced myopathy: a case report
M Francesca Notarangelo1, N Marziliano, M Antonietta Demola
1Division of Cardiology, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria of Parma, Parma, Italy. francescanotarangelo@yahoo.it
What Is Known And Objective:
The major clinical complication of statins is a variety of muscle complaints ranging from myalgia to rhabdomyolysis. There is growing evidence that carriers of genetic polymorphisms in the enzymes and transporters implicated in statin disposition, particularly the SLCO1B1 gene, are at increased risk of myotoxicity. Our objective is to report on two cases of statin-induced myopathy occurring in a family with two patients who are carriers of the loss of function SLCO1B1 genetic variant and to briefly review the related literature.
Case Summary:
Patient 1, a 48-year-old man with history of coronary artery disease, experienced rapidly evolving muscle pain and weakness of the extremities during treatment with atorvastatin 40 mg. Patient 2, a 65-year-old man, father of patient 1, had symptoms similar to those of his son after 2 weeks' treatment with the same statin. Atorvastatin was stopped in both cases, and symptoms resolved. On the basis of family relationship between the two patients, it was possible to hypothesize a genetic basis for the myopathy. Genotyping showed the patients to be carriers of the rs4363657 polymorphism of SLCO1B1 gene.
What Is New And Conclusion:
The two cases reported here and the brief literature review emphasize the impact of genetic factors on the risk of myopathy with statins. Although genotyping all patients before initiating therapy is not recommended at present, pharmacogenetic testing may be useful for new patients who have a family history of statin-induced myopathy.
Insights
Genetic factors, specifically the SLCO1B1 gene variant, increase the risk of statin-induced myopathy. Pharmacogenetic testing may benefit patients with a family history of statin-related muscle problems.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacogenomics
- Clinical Pharmacology
- Genetics
Background:
- Statin medications are widely prescribed for cardiovascular disease prevention.
- Muscle-related adverse effects, from myalgia to rhabdomyolysis, are a known complication of statin therapy.
- Genetic variations, particularly in the SLCO1B1 gene, are increasingly recognized as risk factors for statin-induced myotoxicity.
Observation:
- Two male patients within the same family presented with severe muscle pain and weakness while on atorvastatin.
- Both patients were found to be carriers of the loss-of-function rs4363657 polymorphism in the SLCO1B1 gene.
- Statin discontinuation led to the resolution of symptoms in both individuals.
Findings:
- The familial occurrence of statin-induced myopathy suggests a significant genetic predisposition.
- The presence of the SLCO1B1 rs4363657 variant was confirmed in both affected individuals.
- This case series highlights the role of SLCO1B1 genotype in statin myopathy risk.
Implications:
- Genetic factors significantly influence an individual's susceptibility to statin-induced myopathy.
- While routine genotyping before statin initiation is not currently advised, pharmacogenetic testing could be valuable for specific patient groups.
- Patients with a family history of statin-induced myopathy may benefit from genetic screening to assess their risk.
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