title: The antioxidant effects of statins.
abstract: Oxidative stress contributes to the initiation and the development of atherosclerotic plaques and adversely influences myocardial integrity. Statins interfere with oxidation in several ways that may contribute to reducing the atherogenic process. In addition to direct antioxidant effects, statins reduce circulating oxidized low-density lipoproteins (oxLDL) and inhibit their uptake by macrophages. They also reduce circulating markers of oxidation such as F2-isoprostane and nitrotyrosine. Statins inhibit oxidant enzymes activity such as that of reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NAD[P]H) oxidase and myeloperoxidase and up-regulate the activity of antioxidant enzymes such as catalase and paraoxonase. They reduce endothelial dysfunction mainly by their ability to enhance endothelial nitric oxide bioavailability, which is achieved by several mechanisms. The antioxidant properties of statins extend to organ protection especially the myocardium and the lungs.
authors.affiliation: Hyperlipidemia and Atherosclerosis Research Group, Clinical Research Institute of Montreal, and University of Montreal Hospital Medical Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada. Davignj@ircm.qc.ca
authors.forename: Jean
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Davignon
authors.forename: Robert F
authors.initials: RF
authors.lastname: Jacob
authors.forename: R Preston
authors.initials: RP
authors.lastname: Mason
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D000975:Antioxidants / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D050197:Atherosclerosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D004730:Endothelium, Vascular / Q000187:drug effects / Q000503:physiopathology; D004791:Enzyme Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005487:Foam Cells / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D019161:Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008077:Lipoproteins, LDL / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism; D010084:Oxidation-Reduction / Q000187:drug effects; D018384:Oxidative Stress / Q000187:drug effects
chemical_list: D000975:Antioxidants; D004791:Enzyme Inhibitors; D019161:Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors; D008077:Lipoproteins, LDL; C099252:oxidized low density lipoprotein