title: Synthetic statins: more data on newer lipid-lowering agents.
abstract: Extensive trial evidence supports the use of hydroxy-methyl-glutaryl-CoA reductase inhibitors (HMG-CoA-RI; statins) in atherosclerotic disease. Statins can be divided into two broad groups: the 'natural' statins derived from a fungal metabolites, and synthetic compounds. Whether all statins have similar anti-atherosclerotic properties, or whether these actions are specific to the 'natural' statins, is controversial. This commentary reviews the differences between natural and synthetic statins with regard to lipid-lowering and non-lipid-lowering effects, including their action on the acute phase reactant C-reactive protein. Among the newer synthetic statins, fluvastatin has some positive end-point evidence while cerivastatin shares many biochemical properties with the 'natural' statins. Extensive clinical trial programmes are underway with both atorvastatin and cerivastatin. These trials will give a definitive answer to the question of whether synthetic statins are as equally efficacious as 'natural' statins in preventing atherosclerotic events.
authors.forename: A S
authors.initials: AS
authors.lastname: Wierzbicki
mesh_terms: D001161:Arteriosclerosis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000517:prevention & control*; D000069059:Atorvastatin; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D005229:Fatty Acids, Monounsaturated / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000077340:Fluvastatin; D006538:Heptanoic Acids / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D019161:Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000960:Hypolipidemic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D007211:Indoles / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008055:Lipids / Q000097:blood*; D011725:Pyridines / Q000627:therapeutic use; D011758:Pyrroles / Q000627:therapeutic use; D019821:Simvastatin / Q000627:therapeutic use
chemical_list: D005229:Fatty Acids, Monounsaturated; D006538:Heptanoic Acids; D019161:Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors; D000960:Hypolipidemic Agents; D007211:Indoles; D008055:Lipids; D011725:Pyridines; D011758:Pyrroles; D000077340:Fluvastatin; D000069059:Atorvastatin; D019821:Simvastatin; C086276:cerivastatin