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Update on statin-mediated anti-inflammatory activities in atherosclerosis

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Abstract

Anti-inflammatory activities of statins in atherosclerosis have been well documented by both basic research and clinical studies. Statins have been introduced in the 1980s as 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase inhibitors to block cholesterol synthesis and lower cholesterol serum levels. In the last three decades, statins have been shown to possess several anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities resulting in the beneficial reduction of atherosclerotic processes and cardiovascular risk in both humans and animal models. Inflammatory intracellular pathways involving kinase phosphorylation and protein prenylation are modulated by statins. The same intracellular mechanisms might also cause statin-induced myotoxicity. In the present review, we will update evidence on statin-mediated regulation of inflammatory pathways in atherogenesis.

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Acknowledgement

This research was funded by EU FP7, Grant number 201668, AtheroRemo and supported by a grant from the Swiss National Science Foundation to Dr. F. Mach (# 310000-118245).

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  1. Division of Cardiology, Foundation for Medical Researches, University Hospital, Geneva, Switzerland

    Fabrizio Montecucco & François Mach

  2. Cardiology Division, Department of Medicine, Geneva University Hospital, Foundation for Medical Researches, 64 Avenue Roseraie, 1211, Geneva, Switzerland

    Fabrizio Montecucco

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Correspondence to Fabrizio Montecucco.

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Montecucco, F., Mach, F. Update on statin-mediated anti-inflammatory activities in atherosclerosis. Semin Immunopathol 31, 127–142 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00281-009-0150-y

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