[Mechanisms of statin nephroprotective actions]

The great importance of HMGCoA reductase inhibitors (statins) in treatment of hyperlipidemia is well known, and accepted. Numerous multicenter trials have shown the effectiveness of statins in lowering cholesterol concentration, slowing down progression of atherosclerosis, and in decreasing number of cardio-vascular incidents. However, since the discovery of statins experiments have been carried out showing other mechanisms of action of these drugs. Many circumstances expose the antiproliferative, and antiinflammatory influence of HMGCoA reductase inhibitors. This paper presents a review of the studies on these mechanisms with a special emphasis on their nephroprotective role.