Statins and the risk of Parkinson disease: an update on the controversy.
BACKGROUND
Parkinson disease (PD) is the second most common neuro- degenerative disease and the number of affected patients is growing. Until now, information on either risk factors (genetic or environmental) or neuro- protective agents is still scarce. Recently, hydroxymethylglutary-coenzyme A reductase inhibitors have been related to protective as well as to potential harmful effects with regard to the development of a PD diagnosis.


OBJECTIVE
To give an overview and comment on the data available so far on this topic.


METHODS
Relevant literature was identified using a PubMed search of articles published up to October 2008. Search terms included: 'Parkinson disease', 'statins', and 'epidemiology'. Original articles were reviewed and relevant citations from these articles were also considered.


CONCLUSIONS
Results of the available observational studies were inconsistent with most studies reporting a protective effect of statins on the risk of PD. Others found no altered risk of PD in statin users compared to non-users or even an increased risk. Studies largely varied in size and analysis methods. Thus, comparison of the results is difficult. Until now, no definite conclusion on this topic can be made.
University Hospital Basel, Division of Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, Basel Pharmacoepidemiology Unit, Hebelstrasse 2, CH-4031 Basel, Switzerland.
Claudia
C
Becker
Christoph R
CR
Meier
D000818:Animals; D006801:Humans; D019161:Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D018696:Neuroprotective Agents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D010300:Parkinson Disease / Q000209:etiology* / Q000517:prevention & control*; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic / Q000379:methods; D012307:Risk Factors
D019161:Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors; D018696:Neuroprotective Agents