A Study Comparing CoQ10 Levels While Taking 3 Different Statins

A Study Comparing the Effects of Pitavastatin, Atorvastatin, and Rosuvastatin on Plasma Levels of CoQ10 (SPARQ)

The purpose of this study is to determine if Pitavastatin lowers CoQ10 less than Atorvastatin or Rosuvastatin.

Statins are known effectively treat high cholesterol and heart disease. However, statins may lower endogenous levels of Coenzyme10 (CoQ10). This decrease in CoQ10 levels may be responsible for side effects such as myalgia.

Previous studies have shown that Pitavastatin may not affect CoQ10 levels as other statins do, while still lowering cholesterol.

In this study, investigators intend to compare the plasma levels of CoQ10 in patients taking 3 different FDA-approved statins, in equipotent doses.

Inclusion Criteria:

• LDL-C levels of 100-200mg/dl; triglycerides </=200mg/dl at screening visit
• Willing to discontinue use of all lipid-altering doses fo medication or supplements for the duration of the study

Exclusion Criteria:

• LDL-C <100mg/dl or >200mg/dl, Triglycerides >200mg/dl
• History of diabetes mellitus or documented fasting blood glucose >125mg/dl or HbA1c >6.4%
• History of coronary artery disease
• history of chronic renal or hepatic disease
• known sensitivity of intolerance to a statin
• persistent elevated liver enzymes or CPK (>3 x upper normal limit)
• currently taking CoQ10 supplements and unable discontinue for duration of study