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Semin Vasc Med 2004; 4(4): 417-422
DOI: 10.1055/s-2004-869599
Copyright © 2004 by Thieme Medical Publishers, Inc., 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.

Anti-inflammatory Properties of Statins

Sabine Steffens1 , Francois Mach1
  • 1Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, University Hospital, Foundation for Medical Research, Geneva, Switzerland
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Publication History

Publication Date:
29 April 2005 (online)

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ABSTRACT

Increasing clinical and experimental evidence indicates that some beneficial effects of statins, known as efficient therapeutic agents in cardiovascular disease treatment, may result from their ability to modulate vascular and endothelial cell gene expression by mechanisms independent of cholesterol reduction. It has been shown that statins exhibit direct anti-inflammatory properties via inhibition of proinflammatory cytokine and chemokine secretion, as well as through adhesion molecule expression on leukocytes. Another important mechanism by which statins may modulate the immune response is inhibition of interferon γ-induced expression of class II major histocompatibility complexes. Class II major histocompatibility complex expression is central to immune regulation in T cell-mediated autoimmune diseases, indicating a potential beneficial role of statins in these pathologies. Indeed, promising new preclinical data indicate that statins might be useful in the treatment of multiple sclerosis and rheumatoid arthritis.

KEYWORDS

Statins - inflammation - immunomodulation - autoimmune disease

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Francois MachM.D. 

Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, University Hospital, Foundation for Medical Researches

64 Avenue Roseraie, 1211 Geneva, Switzerland