Chapters authored
Reviews on Statin-Associated Side Effects
Statins are a class of drugs widely used worldwide to manage hypercholesterolemia and prevent secondary heart attacks. They have an important role in reducing morbidity and mortality in patients with cardiovascular disease. Due to their wide range of biological effects, some potential therapeutic effects of statins have also attracted increasing attention, such as the treatment of multiple sclerosis, systemic lupus erythematosus, Alzheimer’s disease, and chronic liver disease. However, a major problem with these kinds of applications is that long-term use of statins also has certain adverse reactions. These adverse effects include liver injury, myopathy, new-onset type 2 diabetes, renal dysfunction, interstitial lung disease, and other reactions. This article mainly reviews the adverse reactions of statins in clinics, aiming to provide a reference for the clinical application of these drugs.
Part of the book: Statins
The Role of Statins in ASCVD
Statins are comprehensive lipid-lowering agents, 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase inhibitors. As an effective cholesterol-lowering drug, statins inhibit a key step in the cholesterol biosynthesis pathway and have made outstanding contributions to the prevention and treatment of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD). The mechanism is to competitively inhibit the endogenous cholesterol synthesis rate-limiting enzyme HMG-CoA reductase, block the intracellular hydroxy valerate metabolic pathway, and reduce intracellular cholesterol synthesis. Additionally, these actions also increase the number and activity of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) receptors on the cell membrane surface and promote plasma cholesterol clearance. Therefore, statins can reduce total cholesterol and LDL levels and reduce triglycerides (TG) to a certain extent and increase high-density lipoprotein (HDL). In addition to lipid regulation, statins may also treat ASCVD by improving endothelial function, Inhibiting inflammation, and stabilizing atherosclerotic plaque. This review summarizes the fundamental roles of statins in ASCVD.
Part of the book: Statins