Role of statins in the practice of clinic neurology

Abstract

Statins reduce the level of LDL-cholesterol in liver cells by inhibiting 3-hydroxy 3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A (HMG-COA) reductase. This causes an increase of the number of the LDL receptors located on liver cell surfaces and thus there is a decrease in plasma LDL levels. Statins also cause an increase in the peripheral absorbtion of LDL and more LDL enters liver cells where it is destructed causing a reduction in cholesterol levels. Besides their cholesterol reducing effects, statins have been assessed as having functions in inflamation and oxidation, cell proliferation, endothelial functions, coagulation and platelet systems. Various studies have put forward a relationship between cholesterol increase and coronary artery disease. It has also been documented that cholesterol reducing therapy is important in the preventation and cure of coronory artery disease. Using similar mechanisms, it has also been shown that hypercholesterolemia also plays an important role in the evalation of stroke. Recently, studies investigating the role of hypercholesterolemia in the etiologies of neurological diseases other than stroke such as multiple sclerosis and dementia have been designed also. Results of studies concerning the usage of statins in neurological diseases have led to a conclusion that more randomised and controlled studies are needed. © 2009 OMÜ Tüm Haklari Saklidir.