Abstract
Statins are competitive inhibitors of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A reductase, a rate-limiting enzyme in cholesterol synthesis. Statins are widely used in the treatment of hypercholesterolemia and to reduce risk of acute cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events. Statins inhibit synthesis of not only cholesterol but also of non-steroid isoprenoids such as farnesyl- and geranylgeranylpyrophosphate, coenzyme Q (ubiquinone), dolichol, etc., which are involved in multiple cell metabolic and signaling cascades. Adipose tissue may be an important target for statins. Although statins have no effect on body weight and energy balance, they inhibit differentiation of preadipocytes to mature adipocytes and may induce adipocyte apoptosis. Stimulation of lipoprotein lipase in adipose tissue accelerates VLDL metabolism and may contribute to triglyceride-lowering effect of statins. According to some studies, statins reduce insulin sensitivity of adipose tissue and impair glucose metabolism in adipocytes. Statins also inhibit adipose tissue inflammation which plays an important role in obesity-associated pathologies. Finally, statins modulate production of adipokines such as leptin, adiponectin, resistin and visfatin. Currently available data suggest that effects on adipose tissue contribute to both beneficial and adverse consequences of statin therapy. Adipobiology 2009; 1: 35-50.
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