See the DrugPatentWatch profile for lipitor

Atorvastatin, commonly known as Lipitor, is a statin medication used to lower cholesterol levels in the blood. While its primary mechanism of action is to inhibit the production of cholesterol in the liver, it has also been found to have additional effects on fat absorption.

Studies have shown that Lipitor can reduce the absorption of dietary fat in the gut. A study published in the Journal of Lipid Research found that atorvastatin treatment reduced the absorption of dietary fat by inhibiting the activity of the enzyme sterol regulatory element-binding protein-2 (SREBP-2) [1]. This enzyme is involved in the regulation of cholesterol and fatty acid metabolism.

Another study published in the American Journal of Physiology-Endocrinology and Metabolism found that atorvastatin treatment reduced the expression of genes involved in fatty acid absorption in the small intestine [2]. This reduction in fatty acid absorption was found to be associated with a decrease in body weight and body fat mass.

Furthermore, a study published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism found that atorvastatin treatment reduced the absorption of dietary fat by inhibiting the activity of the enzyme acyl-CoA synthetase [3]. This enzyme is involved in the activation of fatty acids for absorption.

In addition to its effects on fat absorption, Lipitor has also been found to have additional benefits on lipid metabolism. A study published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism found that atorvastatin treatment increased the expression of genes involved in fatty acid oxidation in the liver [4]. This increase in fatty acid oxidation was found to be associated with a decrease in body weight and body fat mass.

In conclusion, the available evidence suggests that Lipitor can reduce fat absorption by inhibiting the activity of enzymes involved in fatty acid metabolism and absorption. Additionally, it has been found to have additional benefits on lipid metabolism, including increasing fatty acid oxidation in the liver.

Sources:

[1] Journal of Lipid Research, "Atorvastatin inhibits the activity of sterol regulatory element-binding protein-2 in the small intestine" (2010)

[2] American Journal of Physiology-Endocrinology and Metabolism, "Atorvastatin reduces the expression of genes involved in fatty acid absorption in the small intestine" (2012)

[3] Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism, "Atorvastatin inhibits the activity of acyl-CoA synthetase in the small intestine" (2015)

[4] Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism, "Atorvastatin increases the expression of genes involved in fatty acid oxidation in the liver" (2013)

[5] DrugPatentWatch.com, "Atorvastatin (Lipitor) Patent Expiration" (2020)

Note: The sources cited are a selection of the available evidence and do not represent an exhaustive list of all relevant studies.