Update on statin-mediated anti-inflammatory activities in atherosclerosis.
Anti-inflammatory activities of statins in atherosclerosis have been well documented by both basic research and clinical studies. Statins have been introduced in the 1980s as 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase inhibitors to block cholesterol synthesis and lower cholesterol serum levels. In the last three decades, statins have been shown to possess several anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities resulting in the beneficial reduction of atherosclerotic processes and cardiovascular risk in both humans and animal models. Inflammatory intracellular pathways involving kinase phosphorylation and protein prenylation are modulated by statins. The same intracellular mechanisms might also cause statin-induced myotoxicity. In the present review, we will update evidence on statin-mediated regulation of inflammatory pathways in atherogenesis.
Division of Cardiology, Foundation for Medical Researches, University Hospital, Geneva, Switzerland. fabrizio.montecucco@unige.ch
Fabrizio
F
Montecucco
François
F
Mach
D000818:Animals; D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents / Q000276:immunology* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000975:Antioxidants; D050197:Atherosclerosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000276:immunology*; D002784:Cholesterol / Q000276:immunology; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D006801:Humans; D019161:Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors / Q000276:immunology* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D007249:Inflammation / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000276:immunology; D015398:Signal Transduction / Q000187:drug effects / Q000276:immunology
D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents; D000975:Antioxidants; D019161:Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors; D002784:Cholesterol