Findings
Blood lactate levels of mice treated with lovastatin increased 23% compared to the control group, which was reproduced in type II predominant glycolytic muscles, accompanied with a 23.1% decrease of maximum swim duration time. The in vitro evidence revealed that statins increased the expression of muscle specific glycolytic enzyme β-enolase through promoting the degradation of basal p53 proteins, resulting in increased of lactate production. Co-administered with dichloroacetate (DCA), a reagent effective in treating lactic acidosis, reverted the elevated lactate levels and the decreased exercise capacity.
Interpretation
Elevated lactate production by statins through the p53/β-enolase axis contributes to SAMS.
Statins also increase intracellular lactate by inhibiting the monocarboxylate transporter (MCT4), so they acidify both intracellular and extracellular!
