Update on statin-mediated anti-inflammatory activities in atherosclerosis

Semin Immunopathol. 2009 Jun;31(1):127-42. doi: 10.1007/s00281-009-0150-y. Epub 2009 May 5.

Abstract

Anti-inflammatory activities of statins in atherosclerosis have been well documented by both basic research and clinical studies. Statins have been introduced in the 1980s as 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase inhibitors to block cholesterol synthesis and lower cholesterol serum levels. In the last three decades, statins have been shown to possess several anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities resulting in the beneficial reduction of atherosclerotic processes and cardiovascular risk in both humans and animal models. Inflammatory intracellular pathways involving kinase phosphorylation and protein prenylation are modulated by statins. The same intracellular mechanisms might also cause statin-induced myotoxicity. In the present review, we will update evidence on statin-mediated regulation of inflammatory pathways in atherogenesis.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents / immunology*
  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents / therapeutic use
  • Antioxidants
  • Atherosclerosis / drug therapy
  • Atherosclerosis / immunology*
  • Cholesterol / immunology
  • Disease Models, Animal
  • Humans
  • Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors / immunology*
  • Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors / therapeutic use
  • Inflammation / drug therapy
  • Inflammation / immunology
  • Signal Transduction / drug effects
  • Signal Transduction / immunology

Substances

  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents
  • Antioxidants
  • Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors
  • Cholesterol