Statins and foam cell formation: impact on LDL oxidation and uptake of oxidized lipoproteins via scavenger receptors.
The uptake of oxidized lipoproteins via scavenger receptors and the ensuing formation of foam cells are key events during atherogenesis. Foam cell formation can be reduced by treatment with 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase inhibitors (statins). The efficacy of statins is evidently due not only to their cholesterol-lowering properties, but also to lipid-independent pleiotropic effects. This review focuses on lipid-independent pleiotropic effects of statins that influence foam cell formation during atherogenesis, with special emphasis on oxidative pathways and scavenger receptor expression.
Hofnagel
Oliver
O
Department of Cell Biology and Ultrastructure Research, Leibniz Institute of Arteriosclerosis Research at the University of Münster, and Department of Cardiology and Angiology, Hospital of the University of Münster, Germany. hofnagel@uni-muenster.de
Luechtenborg
Birgit
B
Weissen-Plenz
Gabriele
G
Robenek
Horst
H
D050197:Atherosclerosis / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology; D005487:Foam Cells / Q000166:cytology / Q000378:metabolism*; D006801:Humans; D019161:Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors / Q000378:metabolism*; D008074:Lipoproteins / Q000378:metabolism*; D008077:Lipoproteins, LDL / Q000378:metabolism*; D010084:Oxidation-Reduction; D051116:Receptors, Scavenger / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*
D019161:Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors; D008074:Lipoproteins; D008077:Lipoproteins, LDL; D051116:Receptors, Scavenger; C099252:oxidized low density lipoprotein