title: [Anti-inflammatory effect of HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors].
abstract: It has been suggested that HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors(statins) have additional cholesterol-independent pleiotropic effects on preventing coronary events and strokes. One of major pleiotropic actions of statins, which have been proposed, is anti-inflammatory effect. Statins have been shown to reduce infiltration of inflammatory cells into atherosclerotic lesions. It has been also reported that statins increase production of nitric oxide, reduce expression of proinflammatory cytokines and adhesion molecules, and lower plasma C-reactive protein levels. Although these effects may partially account for anti-inflammatory property of statins, its mechanisms are not fully understood. Therefore, further studies are expected to elucidate process of anti-inflammatory effect of statins.
authors.affiliation: Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University.
authors.forename: Shiro
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Kitamoto
authors.forename: Kensuke
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Egashira
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002097:C-Reactive Protein / Q000032:analysis; D006801:Humans; D019161:Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D051379:Mice; D051381:Rats
chemical_list: D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents; D019161:Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors; D002097:C-Reactive Protein