Abstract
Statins are widely accepted as first-choice agents for the prevention of lipid-related cardiovascular diseases. These drugs have both anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties, which may also make them effective as potential treatment marked by perturbations in these pathways, such as some neuropsychiatric disorders. In this narrative review, we have investigated the effects of statin therapy in individuals suffering from major depressive disorder (MDD), schizophrenia, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), bipolar disorder (BD), delirium, and autism spectrum disorders using a broad online search of electronic databases. We also explored the adverse effects of these drugs to obtain insights into the benefits and risks associated with their use in the treatment of these disorders. Lipophilic statins (including simvastatin) because of better brain penetrance may have greater protective effects against MDD and schizophrenia. The significant positive effects of statins in the treatment of anxiety disorders without any serious adverse side effects were shown in numerous studies. In OCD, BD, and delirium, limitations, and contradictions in the available data make it difficult to draw conclusions on any positive effect of statins. The positive effects of simvastatin in autism disorders have been evaluated in only a small number of clinical trials. Although some studies showed positive effect of statins in some neuropsychiatric disorders, further prospective studies are needed to confirm this and define the most effective doses and treatment durations.
Highlights
Statins (3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase inhibitors) are categorized as first-choice agents for primary and secondary prevention of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs)
Clinical assessment after two and four weeks of treatment demonstrated no significant difference in score using the Young Mania Rating Scale (YMRS) between lovastatin and placebo groups, and with no serious adverse effects
The beneficial effect of adjunctive statin therapy in improving depressive symptoms has been demonstrated in several clinical trials
Summary
Statins (3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase inhibitors) are categorized as first-choice agents for primary and secondary prevention of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). Statins suppress the inflammatory response and decrease the expression of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced monocyte tissue factor [1] Since these agents inhibit the production of mevalonate (MVA), which is responsible for cholesterol synthesis and several non-steroidal isoprenoid compounds, they are described as having “pleiotropic effects” [2], which makes these drugs distinct from most of the other lipid-lowering therapies [3,4]. Statins decrease tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) and gamma interferon (IFNγ) production in stimulated T cells, and reduce immune activations of T-helper cells [12] Because of these effects, statins may have therapeutic benefits in the treatment of psychiatric diseases, including major depressive disorder (MDD), schizophrenia, and dementia, which may be marked by perturbations in inflammation and immune system pathways [13,14,15]. Aberrant of behavior, obsessive-compulsive symptoms and risk of anxiety/depression
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary 
Published Version (
Free)
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 call