title: [Pathogenetic justification of statin use in ischaemic stroke prevention according to inflammatory theory in development of atherosclerosis].
abstract: There is an inflammatory component in the pathogenesis of ischaemic stroke, which plays an important role in inducing atherothrombotic and embolic stroke. Statins, HMG-CoA (3-hydroxy-3-methyl-glutaryl-coenzyme A) reductase inhibitors are widely used in the primary and secondary prevention of ischaemic stroke. It has been proved that beyond their main effect on inhibition of endogenous cholesterol, they also modify the inflammatory process. Additional benefits from the use of statins result from their effect on the immune system.  Increased risk of recurrent vascular episodes and risk of death after statin withdrawal in patients with vascular disorders is connected with termination of the anti-inflammatory effect of these drugs. The authors highlight that because of the anti-inflammatory effect of statins it is reasonable to use them in all patients at risk of ischaemic stroke, including those with atrial fibrillation.
authors.affiliation: Klinika Neurologii Pomorskiego Uniwersytetu Medycznego, ul. Unii Lubelskiej 1, 71-252 Szczecin. dkotlega@poczta.onet.pl
authors.forename: Dariusz
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Kotlęga
authors.forename: Sylwester
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Ciećwież
authors.forename: Jolanta
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Turowska-Kowalska
authors.forename: Przemysław
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Nowacki
mesh_terms: D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001281:Atrial Fibrillation / Q000150:complications; D002545:Brain Ischemia / Q000150:complications; D006801:Humans; D019161:Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D007249:Inflammation / Q000150:complications / Q000517:prevention & control; D002537:Intracranial Arteriosclerosis / Q000150:complications; D012008:Recurrence; D020521:Stroke / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control*
chemical_list: D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents; D019161:Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors