The nonlipid effects of statins on endothelial function.
Hydroxymethylglutaryl-coenzyme A reductase inhibitors or statins constitute one of the wonder drugs of the last 2 decades. Use of this hypolipidemic medication class reduces morbidity and mortality in patients with a wide variety of cholesterol levels. Beneficial effects of the medication are seen in advance of changes in lipids suggesting nonlipid mechanisms may play a role in mediating these benefits of statins. One important nonlipid mechanism by which statins may improve vascular outcomes is restoration of normal endothelial cell function. This review will discuss the nonlipid effects of statins on endothelial cell function to highlight other avenues of benefit conferred by these medications.
Beckman
Joshua A
JA
Cardiovascular Division, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 75 Francis Street, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
Creager
Mark A
MA
D008078:Cholesterol, LDL / Q000097:blood; D042783:Endothelial Cells / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000502:physiology; D004730:Endothelium, Vascular / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D019161:Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors / Q000494:pharmacology*; D008798:Mevalonic Acid / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors; D052250:Nitric Oxide Synthase Type III / Q000096:biosynthesis; D013927:Thrombosis / Q000517:prevention & control; D014657:Vasculitis / Q000188:drug therapy
D008078:Cholesterol, LDL; D019161:Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors; D052250:Nitric Oxide Synthase Type III; D008798:Mevalonic Acid