ABSTRACT
The primary mechanism of action shared by all statins is up-regulation of the low-density lipoprotein (LDL)-receptor and enhanced clearance of LDL and other apolipoprotein B-containing lipoproteins from the plasma. However, close scrutiny of the trial results raises the issue of whether the unexpectedly rapid onset of such striking clinical benefits can be attributed to cholesterol reduction alone.5 Laboratory and clinical evidence is certainly accumulating to the effect that individual statins may possess benefits beyond their cholesterol-lowering capability, particularly with regard to:
• Promotion of plaque stabilisation • Restoration of endothelial function • Immunosuppression • Anti-inflammatory effects • Protection against lipoprotein oxidation • Effects of rheological factors and blood coagulation • Prevention of development of glucose intolerance.
