Add-On Simvastatin Shows No Benefit in Depression
In a trial of patients with major depressive disorder (MDD) and obesity, adding simvastatin to escitalopram treatment led to no significant reduction in depressive symptoms compared with placebo; however, the combination effectively reduced levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol and C-reactive protein (CRP).
METHODOLOGY:
This confirmatory, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial included 160 adults (mean age, 39 years; 79% women) with MDD and comorbid obesity from nine tertiary care centres in Germany.
Participants were randomly assigned to receive either simvastatin (40 mg/d; n = 81) or placebo (n = 79) as add-on to escitalopram (10 mg for the first 2 weeks, then increased to 20 mg until the end of the study) for 12 weeks.
The primary outcome was the change in Montgomery-Åsberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS) scores from baseline to week 12.
The key secondary outcome was the change in self-reported Beck Depression Inventory II (BDI-II) scores.
TAKEAWAY:
Compared with the use of add-on placebo, the use of add-on simvastatin led to no significant change in MADRS scores ( P = .71) and BDI-II scores ( P = .70).
= .71) and BDI-II scores ( = .70). Moreover, compared with the use of add-on placebo, the use of add-on simvastatin led to a significant reduction in levels of LDL cholesterol ( P < .001), total cholesterol ( P < .001), and CRP ( P = .003).
< .001), total cholesterol ( < .001), and CRP ( = .003). Add-on simvastatin did not affect any mental health-related secondary endpoint, despite improving the cardiovascular risk profile.
Four severe adverse events were reported, with no significant differences observed between the groups.
IN PRACTICE:
"Even though simvastatin did not exert additional antidepressive effects in our study, it had the expected and well-known effects on lipids and inflammatory activity. Given that both MDD and obesity are associated with increased cardiovascular risk and higher mortality, statins should be prescribed in this comorbid group of patients following the guidelines for statin use in primary prevention," the authors wrote.
SOURCE:
This study was led by Christian Otte, MD, Charité — Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany. It was published online on June 04 in JAMA Psychiatry .
LIMITATIONS:
This study was conducted in tertiary care centres in a high-income country, with patients showing moderate symptom severity and a high response rate, which limited its generalisability. Additionally, participants with an established indication for statin treatment and those with a history of suicide attempt were not included.
DISCLOSURES:
This study was supported by a grant from the German Ministry of Education and Research and sponsored by Charité — Universitätsmedizin Berlin. Several authors reported receiving grants and personal fees from various sources, outside the submitted work. Details are provided in the original article.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Associated Press
36 minutes ago
- Associated Press
From Scrubs to Coats: Zenir Introduces New White Lab Coat Collection for Healthcare Professionals
Zenir, the trusted name in premium medical scrubs, has officially expanded its product lineup with the launch of its first white lab coats available now for both men and women in short and long lengths. Torrance, California, United States, June 14, 2025 -- Zenir, the trusted name in premium medical scrubs, has officially expanded its product lineup with the launch of its first white lab coats available now for both men and women in short and long lengths. Known for combining functional innovation with elevated style, Zenir continues to raise the standard for medical workwear with this new release. The newly launched white lab coats faithfully embody Zenir's philosophy of comfort, practicality, and refined style. The short-length lab coat is engineered with a three-dimensional pattern that naturally facilitates shoulder and arm movement ideal for dynamic, active roles while the long lab coat features a subtly cinched waistline and matte hidden snap buttons to deliver a sleek, professional silhouette in clinical settings. Meticulously designed storage details, such as a dedicated pen holder in the chest pocket and an inner pocket for smartphones, balance functionality with clean design. Optimized for fast-paced healthcare environments, this collection not only meets workplace requirements but also offers a range of fits and style options to suit every body shape and individual preference. Already recognized for its high-performance scrubs, Zenir is a brand trusted by thousands in the healthcare industry and has sold more than 3 million units globally. The brand has earned its reputation for premium-quality scrubs that are breathable, durable, wrinkle-resistant, and moisture-wicking, now extended to its latest line of white lab coats. As Zenir continues to grow its presence beyond Korea, this expansion into white lab coats marks a milestone in Zenir's commitment to offering a complete spectrum of medical workwear solutions. With thoughtfully tailored cuts, sustainable production using GRS-certified recycled fibers, and a design-first approach, Zenir's new white lab coats are built for professionals who expect more from their daily uniform. For more details, visit Contact Info: Name: Jiho Jang Email: Send Email Organization: Zenir Website: Release ID: 89162171 In case of identifying any problems, concerns, or inaccuracies in the content shared in this press release, or if a press release needs to be taken down, we urge you to notify us immediately by contacting [email protected] (it is important to note that this email is the authorized channel for such matters, sending multiple emails to multiple addresses does not necessarily help expedite your request). Our dedicated team will be readily accessible to address your concerns and take swift action within 8 hours to rectify any issues identified or assist with the removal process. We are committed to delivering high-quality content and ensuring accuracy for our valued readers.
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Yahoo
UConn Health, ConnectiCare have reached multi-year agreement
FARMINGTON, Conn. (WTNH) — UConn Health announced Friday it has reached a multi-year agreement with ConnectiCare after its contract with the insurance provider expired in April. A statement from UConn Health said that the agreement will ensure that UConn Health stays as an in-network provided for patients with ConnectiCare health plans, and patient care should continue without interruption. UConn Health drops insurance contract with ConnectiCare 'This new multi-year agreement reached during the post-termination 60-day period, means that patients with ConnectiCare plans can continue to receive care at John Dempsey Hospital, UConn Medical Group, and throughout UConn Health without any disruption,' the statement said. 'Patients with ConnectiCare plans are now able to schedule appointments and access the full range of services they rely on.' UConn Health said it has started reaching out to affected patients to inform them of the update and provide resources. Patients with questions are asked to visit or contact the patient support team at (860) 679-0199. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
2 hours ago
- Yahoo
Bacteria in your mouth might reveal how depressed you are, scientists say
Depression could be linked to a lack of diversity in the bacteria in your mouth, according to new research. As you read this, your mouth contains between 500 billion and 1 trillion bacteria. After the gut microbiome, the orifice is the second-largest community of microorganisms in human bodies. Now, researchers at New York University say the makeup of those microbes could be used to help diagnose and treat depression. In a new study, they found that less diversity of microbes in the mouth is associated with the mental health condition. 'It's possible that the oral microbiome influences depressive symptoms through inflammation or changes to the immune system. Conversely, depression can drive changes including dietary intake, poor oral hygiene, increased smoking and drinking, or the use of medications—all of which have the potential to alter the oral microbiome,' Dr. Bei Wu, vice dean for research at NYU Rory Meyers College of Nursing, said in a statement. 'We need more research to understand the direction and underlying pathways of this relationship.' Wu is the senior author of the study, which was published this week in the journal BMC Oral Health. To reach these conclusions, the authors examined data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. They used questionnaire data from more than 15,000 adults collected between 2009 and 2012 to compare symptoms of depression with saliva samples. They also used gene sequencing to identify the microbes in the saliva and measure the diversity of the oral microbiome. That's how they found that people with less microbial diversity were more likely to have symptoms of depression. Additional analysis revealed that practices including smoking, drinking, and dental care influenced the relationship between the oral microbiome and depression. They can all change the makeup of bacteria in the mouth. They noted that antidepressants and other psychotropic medications have side effects that can lead to reduced saliva and alter the oral microenvironment. 'Thus, medications not only alleviate depressive symptoms but also have a regulatory effect on oral health,' they said. Still, it remains unclear whether the diversity of microbes in the mouth influences depression, if depression leads to changes in the oral microbiome, or if there's a symbiotic relationship. They noted that a recent study found a potential link between depression and the diversity of bacteria in the gut, and that a growing body of research points to a connection between the oral microbiome and overall health. That's thought to be driven by inflammation and disruptions to the immune system. They hope these findings will support a greater understanding of the issue. In 2021, an estimated 21 million adults had at least one major depressive episode in the past year. 'Having a better understanding of the relationship between the oral microbiome and depression could not only help us learn about the mechanisms underlying depression, but could contribute to the development of new biomarkers or treatments for mood disorders,' said Wu.
