[Statins and oxidative stress]

Rev Med Chir Soc Med Nat Iasi. 2009 Apr-Jun;113(2):315-21.
[Article in Romanian]

Abstract

Statins, as inhibitors of the first regulatory enzyme in cholesterol biosynthesis --HMG-CoA reductase--have a special impact in medical practice. Given their therapeutic efficacy, statins are believed to be the strongest class of agents in the treatment of cardiovascular disorders. Moreover, besides decreasing total cholesterol and C-LDL levels, numerous fundamental and clinical researches suggest that statins also have an antiinflammatory effect. Inflammation is closely related to the production of oxygen-derived reactive species (ROS). The antioxidant effects of statins associated with their ability to block the formation and/or action of ROS may add up their therapeutic efficacy. Within this context, the present paper presents data in literature related to the effect of statins on the expression and activity of NAD(P)H oxidase, activity of the enzymes involved in the antioxidative defence (SOD, GPx, catalase, paraoxonase), and their ability to act as free radical scavengers and oxidized-LDL inhibitors. By their antioxidant properties statins may decrease the atherogenic potential of lipoproteins.

Publication types

  • English Abstract

MeSH terms

  • Antioxidants / pharmacology
  • Antioxidants / therapeutic use*
  • Cardiovascular Diseases / drug therapy
  • Cardiovascular Diseases / metabolism
  • Cholesterol / metabolism
  • Cholesterol, LDL / drug effects
  • Humans
  • Hydroxymethylglutaryl CoA Reductases
  • Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors / pharmacology
  • Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors / therapeutic use*
  • Hyperlipidemias / drug therapy
  • Hyperlipidemias / metabolism
  • Inflammation / drug therapy
  • Inflammation / metabolism
  • Lipoproteins / drug effects
  • Oxidative Stress / drug effects*
  • Reactive Oxygen Species / metabolism

Substances

  • Antioxidants
  • Cholesterol, LDL
  • Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors
  • Lipoproteins
  • Reactive Oxygen Species
  • Cholesterol
  • Hydroxymethylglutaryl CoA Reductases