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Che Y, Yuan J, Guo J. Lipids, lipid-lowering drugs and the risk of herpes zoster: a Mendelian randomization study. Arch Dermatol Res 2025; 317:166. [PMID: 39755897 DOI: 10.1007/s00403-024-03600-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2024] [Revised: 10/17/2024] [Accepted: 11/26/2024] [Indexed: 01/06/2025]
Abstract
Observational studies have shown that the risk of developing herpes zoster (HZ) increases with the use of statins. However, there are many confounding factors in observational studies. Therefore, our Mendelian randomization (MR) study aimed to explore the causal role of lipids in HZ and to assess the causal impact of lipid-lowering drug targets on HZ risk. Our study used low-density lipoprotein (LDL) as a biomarker, and MR analysis was applied to study the effects of genetic inhibition of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl CoA reductase (HMGCR, targeted by statins), Niemann-Pick C1-like 1 (NPC1L1, targeted by ezetimibe), and proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9, targeted by, e.g., alirocumab) on the risk of HZ. Second, we analyzed the overall effect of different lipid traits, including LDL, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), and triglycerides (TGs), on the HZ. Finally, we analyzed the causal association between cardiovascular disease (CVD) and HZ. The primary MR analysis employed the inverse variance weighted (IVW) approach, which MR supplemented‒Egger, weighted median and weighted mode methods. In addition, we performed sensitivity analysis to assess the robustness of the results and the presence of bias. Heterogeneity and pleiotropy analyses were performed to ensure the accuracy of the results. Genetically modified HMGCR inhibition was significantly associated with an increased risk of HZ (OR: 2.02, per standard deviation reduction in LDL; 95% CI 1.05-3.90; P = 0.035, P(BH) = 0.0525 < 0.1). Moreover, genetically proxied PCSK9 inhibition was associated with a reduced risk of HZ (OR: 0.58, per standard deviation reduction in LDL; 95% CI 0.42-0.80; P = 0.001, P(BH) = 0.003 < 0.1). Sensitivity analysis did not provide statistical evidence of bias from pleiotropy or genetic confounding. No robust association was found for NPC1L1 inhibition. No significant effect of lipid traits or CVD on HZ risk was found. Our findings did not support dyslipidemia and CVD as causal factors for HZ. Among the three lipid-lowering drug targets, HMGCR inhibition (targeted by statins) was associated with an increased risk of HZ, and PCSK9 is a promising candidate drug target in HZ. These findings have important implications for understanding the pathogenesis of HZ and for the development of new therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuhui Che
- Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China.
| | - Jinyao Yuan
- Department of Tradition Chinese Medicine, West China Second Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children, Sichuan University, Ministry of Education, Chengdu, China
| | - Jing Guo
- Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
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Ting SW, Ting SY, Lin YS, Lin MS, Kuo G. Risk of herpes zoster in psoriasis patients receiving systemic therapies: a nationwide population-based cohort study. Sci Rep 2021; 11:11824. [PMID: 34083738 PMCID: PMC8175372 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-91356-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2020] [Accepted: 05/17/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The incidence of herpes zoster in psoriasis patients is higher than in the general population. However, the association between herpes zoster risk and different systemic therapies, especially biologic agents, remains controversial. This study investigated the association between herpes zoster risk and several systemic antipsoriasis therapies. This prospective open cohort study was conducted using retrospectively collected data from the Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database. We included 92,374 patients with newly diagnosed psoriasis between January 1, 2001, and December 31, 2013. The exposure of interest was the “on-treatment” effect of systemic antipsoriasis therapies documented by each person-quarter. The outcome was the occurrence of newly diagnosed herpes zoster. During a mean follow-up of 6.8 years, 4834 (5.2%) patients were diagnosed with herpes zoster after the index date. Among the systemic antipsoriasis therapies, etanercept (hazard ratio [HR] 4.78, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.51–15.17), adalimumab (HR 5.52, 95% CI 1.72–17.71), and methotrexate plus azathioprine (HR 4.17, 95% CI 1.78–9.82) were significantly associated with an increased risk of herpes zoster. By contrast, phototherapy (HR 0.76, 95% CI 0.60–0.96) and acitretin (HR 0.39, 95% CI 0.24–0.64) were associated with a reduced risk of herpes zoster. Overall, this study identified an association of both etanercept and adalimumab with an increased risk of herpes zoster among psoriasis patients. Acitretin and phototherapy were associated with a reduced risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sze-Wen Ting
- Department of Dermatology, New Taipei City Tu-Cheng Municipal Hospital, New Taipei City, Taiwan
| | - Sze-Ya Ting
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Linkou Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan City, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Sheng Lin
- Department of Cardiology, Chiayi Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Chiayi County, Taiwan.,Chang Gung University, Taoyuan City, Taiwan
| | - Ming-Shyan Lin
- Department of Cardiology, Chiayi Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Chiayi County, Taiwan
| | - George Kuo
- Department of Nephrology, Kidney Research Center, Linkou Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, No. 5, Fuxing Street, Guishan District, Taoyuan City, 33305, Taiwan.
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Koike A, Tsujinaka K, Fujimori K. Statins attenuate antiviral IFN-β and ISG expression via inhibition of IRF3 and JAK/STAT signaling in poly(I:C)-treated hyperlipidemic mice and macrophages. FEBS J 2021; 288:4249-4266. [PMID: 33452755 DOI: 10.1111/febs.15712] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2020] [Revised: 12/07/2020] [Accepted: 01/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Viral infection is a significant burden to health care worldwide. Statins, 3-hydroxy-3-methyl-glutaryl-coenzyme A reductase inhibitors, are widely used as cholesterol-lowering drugs. Recently, long-term statin therapy was shown to reduce the antiviral immune response; however, the underlying molecular mechanisms are unclear. Here, we found that simvastatin decreased polyinosinic-polycytidylic acid [poly(I:C)]-induced expression of antiviral interferon (IFN)-β and IFN-stimulated genes (ISGs) in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) and lungs of mice with high-fat diet-induced hyperlipidemia. Macrophages were the dominant cell type in the BALF of poly(I:C)-treated mice. We examined the effects of simvastatin in primary lung macrophages and found that simvastatin suppressed poly(I:C)-induced expression of IFN-β and ISGs. We examined the molecular mechanisms of statin-mediated inhibition of antiviral gene expression using murine macrophage-like cell line, J774.1/JA-4. Simvastatin and pitavastatin decreased poly(I:C)-induced expression of IFN-β and ISGs. Moreover, they repressed poly(I:C)-induced phosphorylation of IFN regulatory factor (IRF) 3 and signal transducers and activators of transcription (STAT) 1, which is involved in Janus kinase (JAK)/STAT signaling. Mevalonate and geranylgeranyl pyrophosphate (GGPP), but not cholesterol, counteracted the negative effect of statins on IFN-β and ISG expression and phosphorylation of IRF3 and STAT1. The geranylgeranyltransferase inhibitor suppressed poly(I:C)-induced expression of IFN-β and ISGs and phosphorylation of IRF3 and STAT1. These results suggest that statins suppressed the expression of IFN-β and ISGs in poly(I:C)-treated hyperlipidemic mice and murine macrophages and that these effects occurred through the inhibition of IRF3 and JAK/STAT signaling in macrophages. Furthermore, GGPP recovered the statin-suppressed IRF3 and JAK/STAT signaling in poly(I:C)-treated macrophages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Atsushi Koike
- Department of Pathobiochemistry, Osaka University of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Takatsuki, Japan
| | - Kaito Tsujinaka
- Osaka University of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Takatsuki, Japan
| | - Ko Fujimori
- Department of Pathobiochemistry, Osaka University of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Takatsuki, Japan
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Kim MC, Yun SC, Lee SO, Choi SH, Kim YS, Woo JH, Kim SH. Association between Tuberculosis, Statin Use, and Diabetes: A Propensity Score-Matched Analysis. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2020; 101:350-356. [PMID: 31264561 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.18-0983] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Statins have anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties that may affect the development of tuberculosis (TB). We assessed the association between use of statins and the risk of active TB by propensity score matching. Furthermore, we analyzed the impact of statins on TB in patients according to the presence or absence of diabetes. The study was based on the National Health Insurance database and its subset database of the "medical checkup" population of South Korea. We identified 123,468 statin users and 439,546 non-statin users. After propensity score matching, 28,018 statin users and the same number of non-statin users were finally analyzed. The development of active TB was monitored in these matched pairs over 11 years. In the propensity score-matching analysis, the number of active TB cases was 30 in 30,303 person-years (0.99 per 1,000 person-years; 95% CI, 0.64-1.35) in the statin users and 235 in 167,857 person-years (1.40 per 1,000 person-years; 95% CI, 1.22-1.58) in the non-statin users. Statin users had a significantly lower risk of TB than non-statin users: hazard ratio (HR) 0.67 (95% CI, 0.46-0.98) (P = 0.04). A subgroup analysis showed that statin use reduced the risk of TB in subjects without diabetes, but not in patients with diabetes: HRs were, respectively, 0.28 (95% CI, 0.13-0.60) (P = 0.001) and 1.05 (95% CI, 0.66-1.67) (P = 0.84). There is epidemiologic evidence that statin decreases the risk of active TB. However, the protective effect of statins against TB is attenuated by diabetes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min-Chul Kim
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Chung-Ang University Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Sung-Cheol Yun
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Sang-Oh Lee
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Sang-Ho Choi
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Yang Soo Kim
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jun Hee Woo
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Sung-Han Kim
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
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Marra F, Parhar K, Huang B, Vadlamudi N. Risk Factors for Herpes Zoster Infection: A Meta-Analysis. Open Forum Infect Dis 2020; 7:ofaa005. [PMID: 32010734 PMCID: PMC6984676 DOI: 10.1093/ofid/ofaa005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 148] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2019] [Accepted: 01/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The burden of herpes zoster (HZ) is significant worldwide, with millions affected and the incidence rising. Current literature has identified some risk factors for this disease; however, there is yet to be a comprehensive study that pools all evidence to provide estimates of risk. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to identify various risk factors, excluding immunosuppressive medication, that may predispose an individual to developing HZ. Methods The literature search was conducted in MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane Central, yielding case control, cohort, and cross-sectional studies that were pooled from January 1966 to September 2017. Search terms included the following: zoster OR herpe* OR postherpe* OR shingle* AND risk OR immunosupp* OR stress OR trauma OR gender OR ethnicity OR race OR age OR diabetes OR asthma OR chronic obstructive pulmonary disease OR diabetes. Risk ratios (RRs) for key risk factors were calculated via natural logarithms and pooled using random-effects modeling. Results From a total of 4417 identified studies, 88 were included in analysis (N = 3, 768 691 HZ cases). Immunosuppression through human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immune deficiency syndrome (RR = 3.22; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.40–4.33) or malignancy (RR = 2.17; 95% CI, 1.86–2.53) significantly increased the risk of HZ compared with controls. Family history was also associated with a greater risk (RR = 2.48; 95% CI, 1.70–3.60), followed by physical trauma (RR = 2.01; 95% CI, 1.39–2.91) and older age (RR = 1.65; 95% CI, 1.37–1.97). A slightly smaller risk was seen those with psychological stress, females, and comorbidities such as diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, cardiovascular diseases, renal disease, systemic lupus erythematosus, and inflammatory bowel disease compared with controls (RR range, 2.08–1.23). We found that black race had lower rates of HZ development (RR = 0.69; 95% CI, 0.56–0.85). Conclusions This study demonstrated a number of risk factors for development of HZ infection. However, many of these characteristics are known well in advance by the patient and clinician and may be used to guide discussions with patients for prevention by vaccination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fawziah Marra
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Kamalpreet Parhar
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Bill Huang
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Nirma Vadlamudi
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
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Cho SI, Lee DH, Park YM. Identification of herpes zoster high‐risk group using Charlson comorbidity index: A nationwide retrospective cohort study. J Dermatol 2020; 47:47-53. [DOI: 10.1111/1346-8138.15115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2019] [Accepted: 09/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Soo Ick Cho
- Department of Dermatology Seoul National University College of Medicine Seoul Korea
| | - Dong Hun Lee
- Department of Dermatology Seoul National University College of Medicine Seoul Korea
| | - Young Min Park
- Department of Dermatology Seoul St Mary's Hospital College of Medicine The Catholic University of Korea Seoul Korea
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Harpaz R. Do varicella vaccination programs change the epidemiology of herpes zoster? A comprehensive review, with focus on the United States. Expert Rev Vaccines 2019; 18:793-811. [PMID: 31318605 DOI: 10.1080/14760584.2019.1646129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Introduction: Policy-makers in many countries have been wary of introducing varicella vaccination programs because of concerns that reduced exposures to varicella-zoster virus could increase herpes zoster (HZ) incidence. The U.S. introduced varicella vaccination in 1996 and has empiric evidence regarding this concern. Areas covered: This comprehensive review provides background emphasizing the epidemiology of varicella and of HZ in the U.S. before and after the introduction of their respective vaccines. The epidemiology is complex, and interpretation is complicated by methodologic challenges, by unexplained increases in age-specific HZ incidence that preceded varicella vaccination, and by introduction of vaccines for prevention of HZ. Nonetheless, observations from studies using different platforms and designs have yielded consistent findings, suggesting they are robust. Expert opinion: There has been no evidence that the U.S. varicella vaccination program increased HZ incidence in the general adult population over baseline trends. Furthermore, HZ incidence in children is declining. The U.S. experience can inform the development of new generations of models to predict HZ trends. More importantly, it provides reassurance for countries considering varicella vaccination that an effective program can reduce varicella morbidity and mortality while reducing the likelihood of HZ among children, and potentially, over time, across the entire population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rafael Harpaz
- a Division of Viral Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention , Atlanta , GA , USA
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8
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Statin therapy and herpes virus reactivation-response to Zuin et al. paper. Eur J Clin Microbiol Infect Dis 2019; 38:1195-1197. [PMID: 31044331 DOI: 10.1007/s10096-019-03513-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2019] [Accepted: 02/11/2019] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
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Abstract
OBJECTIVE Statins are commonly prescribed worldwide. In addition to being potent lipid-lowering agents, statins have immunomodulating properties that may increase the risk of varicella zoster virus reactivation. This adverse effect may have substantial public health implications. DESIGN We performed a meta-analysis of observational studies to assess the association between statin use and the risk of herpes zoster infection. We searched PubMed, Embase, Web of Science and Cochrane databases to identify studies published from 1980 to 2018. The multivariate-adjusted ORs were pooled using random-effect models, and subgroup and sensitivity analyses were performed to examine the source of heterogeneity. RESULT Six studies were analysed, with a total of more than two million participants. We determined if the use of statins might increase the risk of infection of herpes zoster (OR 1.18, 95% CI 1.11 to 1. 25). We detected significant heterogeneity (I2=91.2%; p<0.000), and determined that the heterogeneity arises from regional differences. CONCLUSION The use of statins may increase the risk of herpes zoster infection. Because the studies included are limited and there may be potential bias, further studies are warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lailai Fan
- Department of Urology, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children’s Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Yangyang Wang
- Department of Rehabilitation, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children’s Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Xiang Liu
- Department of Urology, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children’s Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Xueqiang Guan
- Department of Cardiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children’s Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
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Diamond DM, de Lorgeril M, Kendrick M, Ravnskov U, Rosch PJ. Formal comment on "Systematic review of the predictors of statin adherence for the primary prevention of cardiovascular disease". PLoS One 2019; 14:e0205138. [PMID: 30653537 PMCID: PMC6336291 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0205138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2018] [Accepted: 09/08/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Statins have been prescribed for primary prevention of cardiovascular disease (CVD) for nearly 3 decades. Throughout this period key opinion leaders in the field have been dismayed by the high rate of non-adherence of patients to follow their statin regimen. Hope et al., [1] have addressed this issue by providing a systematic review of research on predictors of statin adherence for primary prevention of CVD. However, their review does not address the ongoing debate as to whether statin treatment is warranted for primary prevention of CVD, nor does it adequately address concerns regarding adverse effects of statins. We have therefore written a commentary which provides a broader perspective on the benefits versus harms of statin therapy. Our perspective of the literature is that non-adherence to statin treatment for primary prevention of CVD is justified because the meager benefits are more than offset by the extensive harms.
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Affiliation(s)
- David M. Diamond
- Departments of Psychology, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, United States of America
- Molecular Pharmacology & Physiology, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Michel de Lorgeril
- Laboratoire Coeur et Nutrition, TIMC-IMAG, School of Medicine, University of Grenoble-Alpes, Grenoble, France
| | - Malcolm Kendrick
- East Cheshire Trust, Macclesfield District General Hospital, Macclesfield, Cheshire, United Kingdom
| | | | - Paul J. Rosch
- New York Medical College; Valhalla, New York
- The American Institute of Stress, Fort Worth, TX
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Zuin M, Rigatelli G, L'Erario R, Zuliani G, Bilato C, Roncon L. Herpes zoster infection and statins: which implications in clinical practice? Eur J Clin Microbiol Infect Dis 2019; 38:93-99. [PMID: 30298219 DOI: 10.1007/s10096-018-3399-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2018] [Accepted: 10/03/2018] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Herpes zoster (HZ), which is caused by reactivation of latent varicella zoster virus (VZV), constitutes a major public health concern in both short- and long-term periods. Over the last years, several epidemiological studies have demonstrated that statin use is associated with increased risk of HZ at cerebral level. Because statins are among the most popular and best-selling drugs in western countries, this potential negative pleiotropic effect could have important implications in the daily clinical practice. In the present manuscript, we reviewed the available data on the statin use and the relative risk of HZ infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Zuin
- Section of Internal and Cardiopulmonary Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
- Department of Cardiology, Santa Maria della Misericordia Hospital, Viale Tre Martiri 140, 45100, Rovigo, Italy
| | - Gianluca Rigatelli
- Department of Cardiovascular Diagnosis and Endoluminal Interventions, Santa Maria della Misericordia Hospital, Rovigo, Italy
| | - Roberto L'Erario
- Department of Neurosciences, Santa Maria della Misericordia Hospital, Rovigo, Italy
| | - Giovanni Zuliani
- Section of Internal and Cardiopulmonary Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Claudio Bilato
- Department of Cardiology, Ospedali dell'Ovest Vicentino, Arzignano, Italy
| | - Loris Roncon
- Department of Cardiology, Santa Maria della Misericordia Hospital, Viale Tre Martiri 140, 45100, Rovigo, Italy.
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The diabetes pandemic and associated infections: suggestions for clinical microbiology. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2018; 30:1-17. [PMID: 30662163 PMCID: PMC6319590 DOI: 10.1097/mrm.0000000000000155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2018] [Accepted: 10/08/2017] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
There are 425 million people with diabetes mellitus in the world. By 2045, this figure will grow to over 600 million. Diabetes mellitus is classified among noncommunicable diseases. Evidence points to a key role of microbes in diabetes mellitus, both as infectious agents associated with the diabetic status and as possible causative factors of diabetes mellitus. This review takes into account the different forms of diabetes mellitus, the genetic determinants that predispose to type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus (especially those with possible immunologic impact), the immune dysfunctions that have been documented in diabetes mellitus. Common infections occurring more frequently in diabetic vs. nondiabetic individuals are reviewed. Infectious agents that are suspected of playing an etiologic/triggering role in diabetes mellitus are presented, with emphasis on enteroviruses, the hygiene hypothesis, and the environment. Among biological agents possibly linked to diabetes mellitus, the gut microbiome, hepatitis C virus, and prion-like protein aggregates are discussed. Finally, preventive vaccines recommended in the management of diabetic patients are considered, including the bacillus calmette-Guerin vaccine that is being tested for type 1 diabetes mellitus. Evidence supports the notion that attenuation of immune defenses (both congenital and secondary to metabolic disturbances as well as to microangiopathy and neuropathy) makes diabetic people more prone to certain infections. Attentive microbiologic monitoring of diabetic patients is thus recommendable. As genetic predisposition cannot be changed, research needs to identify the biological agents that may have an etiologic role in diabetes mellitus, and to envisage curative and preventive ways to limit the diabetes pandemic.
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