PROJECT INFO:

Grade Category: 10-12
Team Size: 2
Subject Area: Health
Project Type: Experimental
Language: English
Project Summary: Cholesterol is the soft waxy fat that is carried through the bloodstream. Although cholesterol is necessary for cell function and body hormones and energy, elevated levels accumulate in the blood and lead to health concerns. Treatment for lowering cholesterol levels often include anti-cholesterol medications, one of which is usually a statin. Many drugs, including some statins, are metabolized by the enzyme CYP3A4. However, the same enzyme metabolizes grapefruit juice, and the combination of grapefruit with some statins causes high concentrations of the drug to accumulate in the body. Adverse effects such as muscle pain, fatigue and fever or even fatal consequences may result. In vitro studies show that inhibition of CYP3A4 decreased simvastatin metabolism, but had no effect on pravastatin. Drugs metabolized by the enzyme were affected and showed a lower reduction rate. Other cholesterol-lowering drugs, fenofibrate and niacin, decreased Pravastatin metabolism when used concurrently.
Software Tools Used: Adobe Photoshop 7.0, Microsoft Excel 1997, Microsoft Notepad.
Hardware Tools Used: Normal home computer.
Why this project?: High cholesterol is an important issue due to the increasing rise in obesity and lack of exercise. An increasing number of people are on anti-cholesterol drugs and should understand the consequences of using grapefruit juice at the same time.
Special Skills: Website design, html, css.