SIMVASTATIN & CELIAC DISEASE

NEWS: The University of the Basque Country (EHU)à suggests that simvastatin, a drug already approved for use in humans, can reduce inflammation associated with celiac disease

KEY HIGHLIGHTS

• Simvastatinà reverses specific RNA modifications triggered by viral infections, which otherwise cause, promote, or exacerbate the inflammatory response in celiac patients.
• The study focused on how viral infections leave a “footprint” on RNA
• Simvastatinà was found to modulate these RNA modifications, lowering inflammatory levels
• The transglutaminase 2 inhibitor ZED1227àalso in trials to block gluten-induced intestinal damage.

Celiac disease

• An inherited autoimmune disease.
• Causes a reaction in human body to a protein called gluten.
• Cause – Autoimmune reaction triggered by gluten
• Leads to inflammation and damage of intestinal villi
• Symptoms
• In childrenàChronic diarrhea, Abdominal pain, bloating, Weight loss, stunted growth.
• In adultsàFatigue, Anemia (iron deficiency), Bone pain (due to calcium/vitamin D deficiency)
• TreatmentàStrict lifelong gluten-free diet, by Avoiding wheat, barley, rye.