High Dose Atorvastatin Associated with Increased Risk of Significant Hepatotoxicity in Comparison to Simvastatin in UK GPRD Cohort.

Background & Aims: Occasional risk of serious liver dysfunction and autoimmune hepatitis during atorvastatin therapy has been reported. We compared the risk of hepatotoxicity in atorvastatin relative to simvastatin treatment.

Methods: The UK GPRD identified patients with a first prescription for simvastatin [164,407] or atorvastatin [76,411] between 1997 and 2006, but with no prior record of liver disease, alcohol-related diagnosis, or liver dysfunction.

Effect of nitrite delivered in saliva on postprandial gastro-esophageal function.

Objective: Acid reflux produces troublesome symptoms (heartburn) and complications including esophagitis, Barrett's esophagus, and adenocarcinoma. Reflux occurs due to excessive and inappropriate relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter. An important mediator of this is nitric oxide, high concentrations of which are generated within the lumen when swallowed saliva meets gastric acid.