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Review
. 2021 May 26;22(11):5654.
doi: 10.3390/ijms22115654.

Zebrafish as a Model for the Study of Lipid-Lowering Drug-Induced Myopathies

Magda Dubińska-Magiera  1 , Marta Migocka-Patrzałek  1 , Damian Lewandowski  1 , Małgorzata Daczewska  1 , Krzysztof Jagla  2
Affiliations
Review

Zebrafish as a Model for the Study of Lipid-Lowering Drug-Induced Myopathies

Magda Dubińska-Magiera et al. Int J Mol Sci. .

Abstract

Drug-induced myopathies are classified as acquired myopathies caused by exogenous factors. These pathological conditions develop in patients without muscle disease and are triggered by a variety of medicaments, including lipid-lowering drugs (LLDs) such as statins, fibrates, and ezetimibe. Here we summarise the current knowledge gained via studies conducted using various models, such as cell lines and mammalian models, and compare them with the results obtained in zebrafish (Danio rerio) studies. Zebrafish have proven to be an excellent research tool for studying dyslipidaemias as a model of these pathological conditions. This system enables in-vivo characterization of drug and gene candidates to further the understanding of disease aetiology and develop new therapeutic strategies. Our review also considers important environmental issues arising from the indiscriminate use of LLDs worldwide. The widespread use and importance of drugs such as statins and fibrates justify the need for the meticulous study of their mechanism of action and the side effects they cause.

Keywords: ezetimibe; fibrates; muscle; myotoxicity; side effects of hyperlipidaemia treatment; statins; zebrafish.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
The zebrafish as a model organism in research concerning the mechanism of action of lipid-lowering drugs (LLDs). Zebrafish as a powerful and versatile tool used in broad biological studies can also be successfully used in research regarding lipid-lowering drugs (LLDs). These studies can cover a wide range of topics, including those related to muscle development, LLD-induced myotoxicity, the search for new, safer, and more effective therapies for hyperlipidaemia, and compounds that may prove to be dietary supplements that mitigate the effects of potential LLD-induced myotoxicity. Details can be found in the main text.
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