Pleiotropic Effects of Statins: Lipid Reduction and Beyond

McFarlane, S. I.
Muniyappa, R.
Francisco, R.
Sowers, J. R.

Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Hypertension, Departments of Medicine and Cell Biology, State University of New York Health Science Center, Brooklyn, New York 11203; and Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Brooklyn, New York 11209

Received September 27, 2001. Accepted December 5, 2001.

Address all correspondence and requests for reprints to: James R. Sowers, M.D., F.A.C.P., Professor of Medicine and Cell Biology, Director of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Hypertension Division, State University of New York Health Science Center at Brooklyn, 450 Clarkson Avenue, Box 1205, Brooklyn, New York 11203. E-mail: [email protected].

This work was supported by grants from the NIH (RO1-HL-63904-01), a Veterans Affairs Merit Review, and the American Diabetes Association (to J.R.S.).

Abbreviations: CVD, Cardiovascular disease; eNOS, endothelial NO synthase; EPC, endothelial progenitor cell; ET-1, endothelin-1; HMG-CoA, 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A; iNOS, inducible form of NO synthase; MCP-1, monocyte-chemotactic protein-1; NO, nitric oxide; ox-LDL, oxidized-LDL; WOSCOPS, West of Scotland Coronary Prevention Study.

Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism 87(4):p 1451-1458, April 2002.

There is accumulating evidence that statins have beneficial effects that are independent of their classical actions on lipoproteins. These effects include reductions in inflammation in the vasculature, kidney, and bone. Potential beneficial effects of these agents include enhancement of nitric oxide production in vasculature and the kidney. These agents appear to reduce bone fractures and may improve insulin sensitivity and reduce the likelihood of persons progressing from impaired glucose tolerance to type II diabetes. Potential beneficial pleiotropic effects of statins are covered in this review.