Key result
Statins exert pleiotropic effects on inflammation and plaque stability with clinical contributions still under investigation.
Statins exhibit pleiotropic effects on endothelial function, inflammation, coagulation, and plaque stability, which are currently being investigated for their contribution to cardiovascular benefits.
Pleiotropic statin effects should not yet influence prescribing; leaves open their relative contribution to outcomes.
Treatment with the 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenyzme A reductase inhibitors (or statins) reduces the risk for cardiovascular events across a broad spectrum of patient profiles, as evidenced by both primary prevention and secondary prevention trials. Improved survival by way of reduced deaths from coronary heart disease was also reported with these agents, which are primarily indicated for substantial reduction in LDL-cholesterol levels. However, the statins are extremely complex drugs and exhibit a wide variety of vascular effects that may or may not be dependent on their lipid-modifying properties. These so-called pleiotropic effects include alterations of endothelial function, inflammation, coagulation, and plaque stability. The relative contribution of the nonlipid effects of statin therapy to the well-documented clinical benefits is currently under intense investigation.
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Gotto et al. (2001) conducted a review in Cardiovascular events. Statins (3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenyzme A reductase inhibitors) was evaluated. Statins exhibit pleiotropic effects including alterations of endothelial function, inflammation, coagulation, and plaque stability, whose relative contribution to clinical benefits is under investigation.
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