title: Role of pravastatin in pulmonary hypertension in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
abstract: COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) is a significant health concern as the fourth leading cause of morbidity and mortality in the U.S.A. Although the prevalence of PH (pulmonary hypertension) in COPD is unknown, its presence is a risk factor for mortality. In this comment, we consider the role of PH in COPD and its pathophysiology, with reference to ET-1 (endothelin-1) and cigarette smoke, as well as exercise and nocturnal hypoxia. We also explore potential mechanisms for the observed improvement in exercise tolerance following 6 months of pravastatin treatment in COPD patients with PH as reported by Lee and co-workers in the present issue of Clinical Science, including possible effects upon ET-1 and Rho kinase, or antioxidant effects, which may be particularly relevant in this group of mainly current smokers.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pulmonary Hypertension, Royal Brompton Hospital. Sydney St, London SW3 6NP, UK.
authors.forename: Tamera J
authors.initials: TJ
authors.lastname: Corte
authors.forename: Stephen J
authors.initials: SJ
authors.lastname: Wort
mesh_terms: D017079:Exercise Tolerance / Q000187:drug effects; D006801:Humans; D019161:Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006976:Hypertension, Pulmonary / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology; D017035:Pravastatin / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D029424:Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive / Q000150:complications* / Q000503:physiopathology
chemical_list: D019161:Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors; D017035:Pravastatin