Summary
Inhibitors of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A (HMGCoA) reductase, statins, have
been demonstrated to reduce cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in patients with
a wide range of cholesterol levels. Numerous cholesterol-independent effects of statins
that may limit atherosclerosis are probably related to inhibition of the geranylgeranylation
of GTP-binding intracellular signaling proteins and involve: improved vasoreactivity,
mostly through increased NO bioavailability; decreased expression of proinflammatory
cytokines (interleukin-6, interleukin-1β, tumor necrosis factor α), C-reactive protein,
chemokines, matrix metalloproteinases, and tissue factor with the subsequent inhibition
of thrombin generation; reduced platelet activity; increased thrombomodulin expression;
enhanced fibrinolysis, regulation of angiogenesis and immunomodulation. However, the
clinical relevance of multiple protective effects induced by statins has not been
clarified yet.
Keywords
Statins - lipids - atherosclerosis