College of Osteopathic Medicine Assistant Professor Jill Slade takes readings from a patient during a study. Photo by Craig Reed

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An MSU researcher is examining the effect that statins, which lower cholesterol, have on users' muscles.

The two-year study aims to provide researchers, through the use of exercise and Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy and Imaging, with a better idea on the effects statins have on muscle structure and function.

"(What) we're hoping to accomplish is to understand a little bit more about people who do develop some muscle-related problems and if we have a tool that can identify if people are developing some problems," said Jill Slade, assistant professor of radiology and osteopathic manipulative medicine at MSU.

Preliminary findings from an early study showed one of the metabolites in muscles was elevated in people who were using statins, which is consistent with elevated cell membrane turnover and generally isn't a good thing, she said.

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