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Updated: Aug 16, 2026

Positron Emission Tomography Imaging for In Vivo Measuring of Myelin Content in the Lysolecithin Rat Model of Multiple Sclerosis
08:40

Positron Emission Tomography Imaging for In Vivo Measuring of Myelin Content in the Lysolecithin Rat Model of Multiple Sclerosis

Published on: February 28, 2021

The potential role for statins in the treatment of multiple sclerosis

Cynthia L Darlington1

  • 1Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Otago Medical School, Dunedin, New Zealand. cynthia.darlington@stonebow.otago.ac.nz

Current Opinion in Investigational Drugs (London, England : 2000)
|July 28, 2005
PubMed

Insights

Statins, like simvastatin, may reduce lesions in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients. Further research is needed to understand the benefits and risks of using these cholesterol-lowering drugs for inflammatory diseases.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroimmunology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Statins were initially observed to reduce rejection in heart transplant patients, suggesting anti-inflammatory properties.
  • Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a demyelinating disease affecting the central nervous system.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the potential of statins, specifically simvastatin, in treating multiple sclerosis.
  • To evaluate the effect of simvastatin on lesion count and volume in MS patients.

Main Methods:

  • A single, open-label trial was conducted.
  • Gadolinium-enhancing magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was used to assess lesions.

Main Results:

  • Simvastatin treatment reduced the number of lesions in MS patients.
  • Simvastatin treatment reduced the volume of lesions in MS patients.

Conclusions:

  • Preliminary findings suggest simvastatin may be beneficial in managing MS lesions.
  • The rationale for using cholesterol-lowering drugs in demyelinating diseases requires further investigation.
  • Potential side effects of statins in MS patients warrant careful consideration.

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