Gut bacterial microbiome composition and statin intake-A systematic review

Area of Science:

• Microbiology
• Pharmacology
• Gastroenterology

Background:

• The gut microbiome is increasingly recognized for its role in drug interactions and treatment efficacy.
• Significant variability exists in patient responses to statin therapy, a widely prescribed class of lipid-lowering drugs.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the bidirectional relationship between statins and the gut microbiome.
• To determine how gut microbiome composition influences statin response.
• To evaluate the impact of statin treatment on gut microbiome composition.

Main Methods:

• A systematic review was conducted following PRISMA guidelines, searching four online databases.
• Included studies focused on gut microbiome alterations due to statin treatment or the association between microbiome and statin response.
• Data from three human and seven animal studies were synthesized.

Main Results:

• An association was observed between specific gut microbiome compositions and enhanced statin-induced lipid-lowering effects.
• The precise microorganisms responsible and their mechanisms of action remain unclear.
• Statins may modulate the gut microbiome, but whether this is a direct effect or due to metabolic changes is undetermined.

Conclusions:

• Gut microbiota composition appears to influence statin efficacy, though specific microbial targets are yet to be identified.
• The direct impact of statins on the gut microbiome requires further elucidation.
• While gut microbiota holds therapeutic potential, its utility as a personalized predictive biomarker needs additional research.