SloCo1b1 – Statin Induced Myopathy Genotype Test

(25% prevalence in the poplulation)

The SloCo1b1 test helps identify patients whose are at increased risk of developing side effects on statin drugs (medications prescribed to lower cholesterol and prevent heart attacks and strokes). 60% of patients who stop taking their statin drug cite muscle pain (myalgias) as their primary reason for discontinuation. 1 However, some of these patients may simply lack sufficient vitamin d or coenzyme q10, and fixing these deficiencies could improve their symptoms. In one study of over 600 statin patients, 92% of the patients with myalgias and low vitamin D levels had resolution of myalgias with vitamin D treatment (despite staying on their statin). 7 However, some patients could truly be statin intolerant due to a genetic variant, which the SloCo1b1 test will detect.

SloCo1b1 Test

There are about 50 transporters in the liver that help the body utilize medications (move them into cells).  SloCo1b1 is the transporter gene involved in hepatic uptake and metabolism of statins. Inherited abnormalities affect this transporter’s ability to metabolize statins . . . meaning statins will be less effective in these patients and may cause more myopathy (muscle aches, spasms, weakness and/or pain).

Though statins can still be prescribed to patients with a SloCo1b1 variant, water-soluble statins* are best tolerated in these individuals (so this genetic test helps us best tailor medication selection for each individual).

Beta Blockers

There are three possible combinations of the SloCo1b1 gene:

NO alleles T/T (valine/valine) = normal statin metabolizer

ONE allele T/C (valine/alanine) = decreased statin metabolizer. This equates with less LDL-C lowering response and up to a 4.5-fold increased risk of myopathy on statin therapy.

BOTH alleles C/C (alanine/alanine) = markedly decreased statin metabolizer. This equates with less LDL-C lowering and up to a 17-fold increased risk of myopathy on statin therapy.

*Water-soluble statins: Rosuvastatin (Crestor), Pravastatin (Pravachol), and Pitavastatin (Livalo) Fat-soluble statins: Atorvastatin (Lipitor) and Simvastatin (Zocor)

Do something today for a better tomorrow! 

Make an appointment now for advanced testing. We are here to help.

Advanced Genetic Tests

Click Below to Learn More

APO E
A gene that affects the way our body processes fat and alcohol, sometimes referred to as the "Alzheimer’s gene."

APO E

MTHFR
A gene that affect the body’s ability to detoxify and utilize certain B vitamins (which affect brain, heart, and infant health).

MTHFR

SLOCO1B1
A gene that can identify who is at increased risk of having side effects from statin cholesterol drugs.

SLOCO1B1

KIF 6
A gene that increases the risk of heart disease, but can determine who would particularly benefit from statin cholesterol medications

KIF 6

9P21
A gene that can identify individuals who may be at an increased risk of premature heart disease.

9P21

4Q25
A gene that can identify who is at increased risk of developing atrial fibrillation (a potentially dangerous arrhythmia of the heart).

4Q25

Prothrombin Mutation
A gene that increases the risk of developing blood clots

Prothrombin Mutation

Factor V Leiden
A gene that increases the risk of developing blood clots

Factor V Leiden

CYP2C19
A gene that determines if the blood thinner Plavix is metabolized normally, or whether this medication could lead to increased clotting or bleeding.

CYP2C19

Advanced Genetic Tests

Click Below to Learn More

APO E
A gene that affects the way our body processes fat and alcohol, sometimes referred to as the "Alzheimer’s gene."

APO E

MTHFR
A gene that affect the body’s ability to detoxify and utilize certain B vitamins (which affect brain, heart, and infant health).

MTHFR

SLOCO1B1
A gene that can identify who is at increased risk of having side effects from statin cholesterol drugs.

SLOCO1B1

KIF 6
A gene that increases the risk of heart disease, but can determine who would particularly benefit from statin cholesterol medications

KIF 6

9P21
A gene that can identify individuals who may be at an increased risk of premature heart disease.

9P21

4Q25
A gene that can identify who is at increased risk of developing atrial fibrillation (a potentially dangerous arrhythmia of the heart).

4Q25

Prothrombin Mutation
A gene that increases the risk of developing blood clots

Prothrombin Mutation

Factor V Leiden
A gene that increases the risk of developing blood clots

Factor V Leiden

CYP2C19
A gene that determines if the blood thinner Plavix is metabolized normally, or whether this medication could lead to increased clotting or bleeding.

CYP2C19

REFERENCES

1 – Wei MY et. al. J Clin Lipidol. 7(5):472-483

 

2 – Link E, et al. N Engl J Med. 2008;359(8):789–99.

 

3 - The SEARCH Collaborative Group. N Eng J Med. 2008;359:789-799.

 

4 – Niemi M, Pasanen MK, Neuvonen PJ. Pharmacol Rev. 2011;63:157-181.

 

5 – Voora D, Shah SH, Spasojevic I, et al. J Am Coll Cardiol. 2009;54:1609-1616.

 

6 – https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/07/130724195945.htm

 

7 - Ahmed, W., et. al. Transl. Red. 2009 Jan:153(1):11-6.