Abstract
The statins are lipid-lowering agents that act by inhibition of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase. This enzyme is responsible for the conversion of HMG-CoA to mevalonate. Products of mevalonate metabolism are critical for several cellular processes of eukaryotic cells, and inhibition of the mevalonate pathway by statins has pleiotropic effects. It has been reported that statins inhibit the migration and proliferation of vascular smooth cells (VSMCs), reduce interleukin-6 expression in VSMCs, improve endothelium-dependent vasomotion, and inhibit the expression of plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 and matrix metalloproteinases in endothelial cells. These effects of statins are independent of plasma cholesterol level, and are completely blocked by exogenous mevalonate and some isoprenoids. These findings suggest that statins exert direct antiatherosclerotic effects on the vascular wall beyond their effects on plasma lipids.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callMore From: Current Drug Target -Cardiovascular & Hematological Disorders
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
