Cholesterol-independent Effects of Statins and New Therapeutic Targets: Ischemic Stroke and Dementia

Takashi Miida, Satoshi Hirayama, Yuichi Nakamura
2004 Journal of atherosclerosis and thrombosis  
The 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase inhibitors, or "statins", are used as cholesterol-lowering agents worldwide. Statins inhibit cholesterol biosynthesis, leading to enhanced uptake of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) from the circulation via LDL receptors. This strong cholesterol-lowering action contributes to the beneficial effects of statins. For example, large clinical trials have demonstrated that statins significantly reduce cardiovascular risk. Recent research has
more » ... hown that statins have other multiple actions involved in endothelial function, cell proliferation, inflammatory response, immunological reactions, platelet function, and lipid oxidation. These "pleiotropic actions" of statins probably provide a significant contribution to the reduction of cardiovascular events. This review summarizes the pleiotropic actions of statins in both basic and clinical studies. It also considers the potential for statin therapy in the treatment of stroke and dementia. J Atheroscler Thromb, 2004; 11: 253-264.
doi:10.5551/jat.11.253 pmid:15557707 fatcat:avfaiwkdgnfe3n6kdu4mf3udam