[Pharmacogenetics and anti-inflammatory effect of HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors]

Arq Bras Endocrinol Metabol. 2007 Jun;51(4):520-5. doi: 10.1590/s0004-27302007000400004.
[Article in Portuguese]

Abstract

Atherosclerosis is a result from the association of lipid deposition in the arterial wall and inflammatory process. This inflammatory process may be detected by clinical markers of systemic inflammation, such as ultrasensible C-reactive protein, which is associated with cardiovascular risk, independently of lipid levels. Statins reduce the inflammation associated to atherosclerosis, which may be verified by a reduction of the C-reactive protein levels. It seems that statins alter immune function by modulating post-translational protein prenylation. Individual genetic variations are associated with modulation of statins lipid-lowering effect; however, few studies have related the effect of the genetic variants with anti-inflammatory effect of statins. In addition to the genes involved in the cholesterol metabolism, genetic factors affecting statins pharmacodynamics and/or pharmacokinetics are potentially responsible for lipid and anti-inflammatory effects.

Publication types

  • English Abstract
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents / pharmacology
  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Arteriosclerosis / drug therapy*
  • Arteriosclerosis / genetics
  • Biomarkers / blood
  • C-Reactive Protein / analysis*
  • Cholesterol / blood
  • Humans
  • Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors / pharmacology
  • Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors / therapeutic use*
  • Pharmacogenetics
  • Risk Factors

Substances

  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents
  • Biomarkers
  • Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors
  • C-Reactive Protein
  • Cholesterol