Locking a Leukocyte Integrin with Statins

The first of the hydroxymethylglutaryl coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase inhibitors (collectively referred to as “statins”) was identified in 1976.1 This enzyme was an ideal target for treating hypercholesterolemia, since it catalyzes the conversion of HMG-CoA to mevalonate, a limiting step in cholesterol synthesis. Today, statins are the most powerful hypolipidemic drugs available and are widely prescribed throughout the world.Because lipid intermediates of cholesterol synthesis (isoprenoids) allow the attachment to the cell membrane of signaling proteins involved in various functions, statins have other biologic effects.2 They can stimulate bone formation, alter the function of endothelial cells, induce apoptosis of smooth-muscle . . .