title: Statin therapy-evidence beyond lipid lowering contributing to plaque stability.
abstract: Primarily statin drugs inhibit hepatic 3-hydroxy 3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase, which is responsible for the reduction in circulating low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol. Several findings from recent research studies indicate that statins have multiple actions that favorably influence key factors involved in the atherogenic process. These so-called pleiotropic properties affect various aspects of cell function, inflammation, coagulation, and vasomotor activity. These effects are mediated either indirectly through LDL cholesterol reduction or via a direct effect on cellular functions. Such actions may contribute to the early cardiovascular benefit observed in several outcome trials with statin drugs therapy. Although many of the pleiotropic properties of statins may be a class effect, some may be unique to certain agents and account for differences in their pharmacological activity. This review summarise the results of the major outcome trials of statins and non-statins therapy and the possible mechanisms beyond lipid lowering contributing to plaque stability.
authors.affiliation: Thrombosis Research Institute, Genomics & Atherothrombosis, London, UK. dlorenzo@tri-london.ac.uk
authors.forename: Ferruccio
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: de Lorenzo
authors.forename: Michael
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Feher
authors.forename: Juliette
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Martin
authors.forename: Sophie
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Collot-Teixeira
authors.forename: Olena
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Dotsenko
authors.forename: John Louis
authors.initials: JL
authors.lastname: McGregor
mesh_terms: D001161:Arteriosclerosis / Q000188:drug therapy*; D006801:Humans; D019161:Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006937:Hypercholesterolemia / Q000188:drug therapy*
chemical_list: D019161:Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors