Potential therapeutic role for statins in respiratory disease.
Statins reduce cholesterol levels by inhibiting 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase and have an established role in the treatment of atherosclerotic disease. Recent research has identified anti-inflammatory properties of statins. Statins appear to reduce the stability of lipid raft formation with subsequent effects on immune activation and regulation, and also prevent the prenylation of signalling molecules with subsequent downregulation of gene expression. Both these effects result in reduced cytokine, chemokine, and adhesion molecule expression, with effects on cell apoptosis or proliferation. This review considers the evidence for the anti-inflammatory properties of statins in the lung, and how these effects are being applied to research into the role of statins as a novel treatment of respiratory diseases.
Hothersall
E
E
Department of Respiratory Medicine, Division of Immunology, Infection and Inflammation, Western Infirmary and University of Glasgow, Glasgow G11 6NT, UK.
McSharry
C
C
Thomson
N C
NC
D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D019161:Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008171:Lung Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy*; D019141:Respiratory System Agents / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*
D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents; D019161:Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors; D019141:Respiratory System Agents