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Semin Vasc Med 2004; 4(4): 395-400
DOI: 10.1055/s-2004-869596
Copyright © 2004 by Thieme Medical Publishers, Inc., 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.

The Pro- and Antiangiogenic Effects of Statins

Adriane Skaletz-Rorowski1 , 2 , Yasuko Kureishi3 , Ichiro Shiojima4 , Kenneth Walsh4
  • 1Institute for Arteriosclerosis Research, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
  • 2Department of Cardiology and Angiology, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
  • 3Japan Society for the Promotion of Science, First Department of Internal Medicine, Mie University School of Medicine, Tsu City, Japan
  • 4Molecular Cardiology/Whitaker Cardiovascular Institute, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts
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Publication History

Publication Date:
29 April 2005 (online)

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ABSTRACT

Clinical studies indicate that 3-hydroxyl-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase inhibitor (statin) therapy has a cardiovascular protective activity that may result from an improvement in endothelial function. Experimental studies have shown that statins protect against ischaemia-reperfusion injury of the heart and stimulate the growth of new blood vessels in ischemic limbs of normocholesterolemic animals. The mechanisms underlying these serum lipid-independent effects of statins are not completely understood, but there is increasing evidence that they improve endothelial function through molecular mechanisms that mediate an increase in endothelium-derived nitric oxide. Recent research has revealed a link between statins and the serine/threonine protein kinase Akt that regulates multiple angiogenic processes in endothelial cells, including the generation of nitrous oxide. In contrast to these data, it has also been reported that higher doses of statins inhibit endothelial cell migration and angiogenesis. Thus, further studies on the actions of statins may lead to the identification of new pharmacological targets for the control of blood vessel growth.

KEYWORDS

Statin - angiogenesis - Akt - NO

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Kenneth WalshPh.D. 

Molecular Cardiology/CVI, Boston University School of Medicine

715 Albany Street, W611

Boston, MA 02118

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