An overview of the extra-lipid effects of rosuvastatin.
Statins, in addition to their beneficial lipid modulation effects, exert a variety of several so-called "pleiotropic" actions that may result in clinical benefits. Rosuvastatin, the last agent of the class to be introduced, has proved remarkably potent in reducing low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels. At present, no large-scale primary or secondary prevention clinical trials document either its long-term safety or its effectiveness in preventing cardiovascular events. A substantial number of experimental and clinical studies have indicate favorable effects of rosuvastatin on endothelial function, oxidized low-density lipoprotein, inflammation, plaque stability, vascular remodeling, hemostasis, cardiac muscle, and components of the nervous system. Available data regarding the effects of rosuvastatin on renal function and urine protein excretion do not seem to raise any safety concerns. Whether the established "pleiotropy" and/or lipid-lowering efficacy of rosuvastatin may translate into reduced morbidity and mortality remains to be shown in ongoing clinical outcome trials.
Kostapanos
Michael S
MS
Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Ioannina, Ioannina, Greece.
Milionis
Haralampos J
HJ
Elisaf
Moses S
MS
D000818:Animals; D002316:Cardiotonic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy*; D002490:Central Nervous System / Q000187:drug effects; D005343:Fibrinolytic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005464:Fluorobenzenes / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D019161:Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D007668:Kidney / Q000187:drug effects; D009420:Nervous System / Q000187:drug effects; D017933:Peripheral Nervous System / Q000187:drug effects; D011743:Pyrimidines / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000068718:Rosuvastatin Calcium; D013449:Sulfonamides / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*
D002316:Cardiotonic Agents; D005343:Fibrinolytic Agents; D005464:Fluorobenzenes; D019161:Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors; D011743:Pyrimidines; D013449:Sulfonamides; D000068718:Rosuvastatin Calcium