Anti-inflammatory and antithrombotic effects of statins in the management of coronary artery disease

摘要

Inhibitorss of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coezyme A reductanse(statins), a potent class of cholesterol-lowering drugs, exert a number of pleiotropic effects, including anti-inflammatory and antithrombotic properties. Evidence is now accumulating that these effects are not related to the reduction in lipid levels. In vitro studies, supported recently by in vivo data, indicate that treatment with statins results in a significant decrease in the levels of inflammation markers, such as C-reactive protein, interleukin 6, and tumor necrosis factor alpha, which appear to be predictors of acute coronary events and help stratify cardiovascular risk.