Anti-inflammatory effect of HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors

It has been suggested that HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors(statins) have additional cholesterol-independent pleiotropic effects on preventing coronary events and strokes. One of major pleiotropic actions of statins, which have been proposed, is anti-inflammatory effect. Statins have been shown to reduce infiltration of inflammatory cells into atherosclerotic lesions. It has been also reported that statins increase production of nitric oxide, reduce expression of proinflammatory cytokines and adhesion molecules, and lower plasma C-reactive protein levels. Although these effects may partially account for anti-inflammatory property of statins, its mechanisms are not fully understood. Therefore, further studies are expected to elucidate process of anti-inflammatory effect of statins.