Effects of Simvastatin and Pravastatin on 6β-hydroxycortisol Excretion, a Potential Marker of Cytochrome P-450 3A

doi:10.1006/phrs.1993.1127

Pharmacological Research

Volume 28, Issue 3, October 1993, Pages 243-248

https://doi.org/10.1006/phrs.1993.1127 Get rights and content

Abstract

The influence of two inhibitors of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase, simvastatin and pravastatin, on the level of urinary 6β-hydroxycortisol/17-hydroxycorticosteroids (6β-OHC/17-OHCS) ratio was determined in two groups of normolipidemic Caucasian subjects (n= 18 and n= 14, respectively).

The 6β-OHC/17-OHCS ratio increased significantly after simvastatin administration (20 mg day^-1 for 17 days) (P=0.0125) whereas no modification was observed after pravastatin administration (20 mg day^-1 during 17 days). As the level of 6β-OHC/17-OHCS ratio is a function of cytochrome P-450 3A activity, these results suggest that in Caucasian subjects, simvastatin but not pravastatin could be a weak inducer of cytochrome P-450 3A. This contrasting effect could be related to the major pharmacological differences existing between these two drugs.

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Regular ArticleEffects of Simvastatin and Pravastatin on 6β-hydroxycortisol Excretion, a Potential Marker of Cytochrome P-450 3A

Abstract

Regular Article
Effects of Simvastatin and Pravastatin on 6β-hydroxycortisol Excretion, a Potential Marker of Cytochrome P-450 3A