Abstract
Statins, HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors, are common cholesterol-lowering drugs. Recent studies suggest that statins may have potential as novel treatments for diverse conditions, ranging from sepsis and inflammatory diseases to chronic wounds and bone fractures. The diverse pleiotropic actions of statins are probably related to reduced isoprenylation of downstream targets of the mevalonate pathway and their binding to several nuclear hormone receptors. Statins exert their anti-inflammatory effect by inhibiting the release of C-reactive peptide, chemokines, cytokines and adhesion molecules, which may make them a powerful addition to the dermatologic anti-inflammatory medication arsenal. Along with reducing inflammation, statins have the potential to heal chronic wounds by decreasing farnesyl pyrophosphate, facilitating vascular relaxation, promoting neovascularization and reducing bacterial load. A review of the literature elucidates that route of administration, dose and type of statin appear to impact the outcome. A better understanding of their effects at the cellular and molecular level in skin is necessary for their future use.
Acknowledgements
This work was supported by the Brian Jegasothy Research Award.
Financial & competing interests disclosure
The authors have no relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript. This includes employment, consultancies, honoraria, stock ownership or options, expert testimony, grants or patents received or pending, or royalties.
No writing assistance was utilized in the production of this manuscript.