Pleiotropic effects of statins.

Article Details

Citation

Liao JK, Laufs U

Pleiotropic effects of statins.

Annu Rev Pharmacol Toxicol. 2005;45:89-118. doi: 10.1146/annurev.pharmtox.45.120403.095748.

PubMed ID
15822172 [ View in PubMed
]
Abstract

Statins are potent inhibitors of cholesterol biosynthesis. In clinical trials, statins are beneficial in the primary and secondary prevention of coronary heart disease. However, the overall benefits observed with statins appear to be greater than what might be expected from changes in lipid levels alone, suggesting effects beyond cholesterol lowering. Indeed, recent studies indicate that some of the cholesterol-independent or "pleiotropic" effects of statins involve improving endothelial function, enhancing the stability of atherosclerotic plaques, decreasing oxidative stress and inflammation, and inhibiting the thrombogenic response. Furthermore, statins have beneficial extrahepatic effects on the immune system, CNS, and bone. Many of these pleiotropic effects are mediated by inhibition of isoprenoids, which serve as lipid attachments for intracellular signaling molecules. In particular, inhibition of small GTP-binding proteins, Rho, Ras, and Rac, whose proper membrane localization and function are dependent on isoprenylation, may play an important role in mediating the pleiotropic effects of statins.

DrugBank Data that Cites this Article

Drugs
Drug Targets
DrugTargetKindOrganismPharmacological ActionActions
LovastatinIntegrin alpha-LProteinHumans
Unknown
Inhibitor
Details
PitavastatinIntegrin alpha-LProteinHumans
Unknown
Not AvailableDetails
RosuvastatinIntegrin alpha-LProteinHumans
Unknown
Inhibitory allosteric modulator
Details
SimvastatinIntegrin alpha-LProteinHumans
Unknown
Inhibitory allosteric modulator
Details