Is there a role for statins in fungal infections?
It has been hypothesized that statins, HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors, may be used to treat fungal infections. Here we review data on antifungal properties of statins, effects on the host inflammatory response as well as available clinical evidence. We conclude that: statins exhibit antifungal properties in vitro although at supraphysiological concentrations; statins appear to have anti-inflammatory effects on host cells in vitro; statins have effects on fungal physiology beyond direct growth inhibition; clinical studies are scarce (n = 5), and their design is retrospective and observational, which is associated with a high risk of bias. Given the limited evidence for a beneficial effect of statins in fungal infection, randomized and controlled trials are highly warranted in this field.
Department of Laboratory Medicine, Division of Clinical Microbiology, Karolinska University Hospital, Huddinge, Karolinska Institutet, 141 86, Stockholm, Sweden.
Peter W
PW
Bergman
Linda
L
Björkhem-Bergman
D000818:Animals; D000935:Antifungal Agents / Q000494:pharmacology*; D001230:Aspergillus / Q000187:drug effects / Q000254:growth & development; D002175:Candida / Q000187:drug effects / Q000254:growth & development; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D003470:Culture Media; D006801:Humans; D019161:Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors / Q000494:pharmacology*; D008826:Microbial Sensitivity Tests; D050296:Microbial Viability / Q000187:drug effects; D009181:Mycoses / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000382:microbiology; D010143:Paecilomyces / Q000187:drug effects / Q000254:growth & development; D012189:Retrospective Studies
D000935:Antifungal Agents; D003470:Culture Media; D019161:Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors