Abstract
Statins have been shown to have pleiotropic effects apart from serum lipid-lowering effect in human. One of the major target organs for the effects of statins is the vascular endothelium, which plays an important role in the development of atherosclerosis and angiogenesis. Recent numerous studies have shown that the statins' cholesterol-independent vascular effects appear to involve directly restoring or improving endothelial function by increasing NO production, promoting re-endothelialization after arterial injury, and inhibiting inflammatory responses within the vessel wall that are thought to contribute to atherosclerosis. This review provides an update of the unique effects of statins on endothelial cells including endothelial progenitor cells as well as highlighting the therapeutic potential of statins beyond their established lipid-lowering effects.
Publication types
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Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
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Review
MeSH terms
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Angiogenesis Inducing Agents / pharmacology
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Angiogenesis Inhibitors / pharmacology
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Animals
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Anti-Inflammatory Agents / pharmacology
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Atherosclerosis / drug therapy*
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Atherosclerosis / pathology
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Atherosclerosis / physiopathology
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Cell Differentiation / drug effects
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Cell Movement / drug effects
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Cell Proliferation / drug effects
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Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
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Endothelial Cells / drug effects*
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Endothelial Cells / pathology
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Endothelium, Vascular / drug effects*
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Endothelium, Vascular / pathology
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Endothelium, Vascular / physiopathology
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Humans
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Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors / pharmacology*
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Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors / therapeutic use
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Stem Cells / drug effects
Substances
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Angiogenesis Inducing Agents
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Angiogenesis Inhibitors
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Anti-Inflammatory Agents
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Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors