Lipid-lowering drugs in lupus: an unexplored therapeutic intervention

Lipid-lowering drugs have been shown to have profound actions beyond modulation of lipid profiles. Statins have been shown to reduce the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines and markers of acute phase response including C-reactive protein and serum amyloid A. Fibrates have also shown to reduce interleukin-6 levels. Both groups of drugs seem to act through a peroxisomal proliferating activating receptor alpha mechanism to achieve these actions. In lupus, there is profound activation of cytokine production and the acute phase response and a markedly increased risk for the development of atherosclerosis. The role of lipid-lowering drugs in the management of both the acute and chronic sequelae of lupus needs to be explored.