title: Immunomodulation by statins: inhibition of cholesterol vs. isoprenoid biosynthesis.
abstract: Due to their ability to inhibit the synthesis of cholesterol, statins are widely used in medical practice and are the principal therapy for hypercholesterolemia. In addition, various findings suggest that statins also exert anti-inflammatory properties and may so play a role in modulating the immune system. Because of these properties, statins could provide a potential treatment for various chronic inflammatory diseases, including neuroinflammatory disorders such as multiple sclerosis. Here, we will review the effect of statins on the expression and function of a variety of immune relevant molecules and the underlying mechanisms that contribute to the immunomodulatory properties of statins. In this discussion we will also evaluate the effects of statins on central nervous system cells to emphasize the potential of these agents in the treatment of neuroinflammatory disorders.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pathology, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
authors.forename: Hedwich F
authors.initials: HF
authors.lastname: Kuipers
authors.forename: Peter J
authors.initials: PJ
authors.lastname: van den Elsen
mesh_terms: D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents / Q000494:pharmacology; D000924:Anticholesteremic Agents / Q000494:pharmacology*; D002784:Cholesterol / Q000096:biosynthesis / Q000378:metabolism*; D006801:Humans; D019161:Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors / Q000494:pharmacology*; D007249:Inflammation / Q000188:drug therapy; D009103:Multiple Sclerosis / Q000188:drug therapy; D013601:T-Lymphocytes / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism; D013729:Terpenes / Q000378:metabolism*; D014158:Transcription, Genetic / Q000187:drug effects
chemical_list: D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents; D000924:Anticholesteremic Agents; D019161:Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors; D013729:Terpenes; D002784:Cholesterol