Statins and the liver.
Lipid lowering, particularly with 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A reductase inhibitors ("statins"), reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease. Patients with chronic liver disease present challenges to the use of lipid medications. In the case of most liver disorders, the concern has been one of safety. There is evidence that most lipid-lowering medications can be used safely in many situations, although large outcomes trials are lacking. This review examines lipid physiology and cardiovascular risk in specific liver diseases and reviews the evidence for lipid lowering and the use of statins in chronic liver disease.
Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism and Lipid Research, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, Campus Box 8127, 660 South Euclid, St Louis, MO 63110, USA. Electronic address: cherrick@dom.wustl.edu.
Cynthia
C
Herrick
VA Medical Center, Puget Sound, 1660 South Columbian Way, Seattle, WA 98104, USA.
Samira
S
Bahrainy
Harborview Medical Center, University of Washington School of Medicine, 325 Ninth Avenue, Box 359748, Seattle, WA 98104, USA.
Edward A
EA
Gill
D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000517:prevention & control*; D014943:Global Health; D006801:Humans; D019161:Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D015994:Incidence; D008055:Lipids / Q000097:blood*; D008099:Liver / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism; D008107:Liver Diseases / Q000097:blood / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology; D012307:Risk Factors; D000637:Transaminases / Q000097:blood*
D019161:Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors; D008055:Lipids; D000637:Transaminases
Chronic liver disease; Dyslipidemia; Hepatic transaminases; Statins