Anti-inflammatory effects of statins: clinical evidence and basic mechanisms

MK Jain, PM Ridker - Nature reviews Drug discovery, 2005 - nature.com
Nature reviews Drug discovery, 2005nature.com
Chronic inflammation is a key feature of vascular disease states such as atherosclerosis.
Multiple clinical studies have shown that a class of medications termed statins lower
cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Originally developed to lower serum cholesterol,
increasing evidence suggests that these medications have potent anti-inflammatory effects
that contribute to their beneficial effects in patients. Here, we discuss the clinical and
experimental evidence underlying the anti-inflammatory effects of these agents.
Abstract
Chronic inflammation is a key feature of vascular disease states such as atherosclerosis. Multiple clinical studies have shown that a class of medications termed statins lower cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Originally developed to lower serum cholesterol, increasing evidence suggests that these medications have potent anti-inflammatory effects that contribute to their beneficial effects in patients. Here, we discuss the clinical and experimental evidence underlying the anti-inflammatory effects of these agents.
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