Document Detail


Statins and inflammation: an update.
MedLine Citation:
PMID:  20421792     Owner:  NLM     Status:  In-Process    
Abstract/OtherAbstract:
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Randomized trials have suggested that the beneficial effects of statins could extend to mechanisms beyond cholesterol reduction. Investigations have shown that statins are associated with reduced plasma markers of inflammation, reduced T-cell and monocyte activation, and reduced blood clotting. These effects could be explained by the inhibition of L-mevalonic acid synthesis, thus affecting cell-signalling pathways. However, it has been difficult to evaluate whether the nonlipid effects of statins translate into clinically meaningful outcomes.
RECENT FINDINGS: Inflammation, as measured by C-reactive protein (CRP), has been established as an independent cardiovascular risk factor, even in persons with low-density lipoprotein (LDL)-cholesterol. Statins have anti-inflammatory effects, and lower CRP. Reducing both LDL-cholesterol and CRP is important in order to decrease the risk of cardiovascular events. Statins significantly reduce the risk of venous thrombosis. It is probable that this effect goes beyond lipid lowering. The clinical benefit of statin therapy in infectious diseases remains to be determined by randomized controlled trials.
SUMMARY: Statins have anti-inflammatory properties that are clinically important in lowering cardiovascular risk. It is probable, but not definitely proven, that some of the benefits of statins are due to their nonlipid effects.
Authors:
Petter Quist-Paulsen
Publication Detail:
Type:  Journal Article; Review    
Journal Detail:
Title:  Current opinion in cardiology     Volume:  25     ISSN:  1531-7080     ISO Abbreviation:  Curr. Opin. Cardiol.     Publication Date:  2010 Jul 
Date Detail:
Created Date:  2010-06-10     Completed Date:  -     Revised Date:  -    
Medline Journal Info:
Nlm Unique ID:  8608087     Medline TA:  Curr Opin Cardiol     Country:  United States    
Other Details:
Languages:  eng     Pagination:  399-405     Citation Subset:  IM    
Affiliation:
Department of Cancer Research and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Trondheim, Norway. petter.quist-paulsen@stolav.no
Export Citation:
APA/MLA Format     Download EndNote     Download BibTex
MeSH Terms
Descriptor/Qualifier:

From MEDLINE®/PubMed®, a database of the U.S. National Library of Medicine


Previous Document:  Antiplatelet therapy in percutaneous coronary intervention: recent advances in oral antiplatelet age...
Next Document:  Artefact in the electroencephalographic monitoring in a patient with brain metastasis.