Modulation of atherosclerosis, blood pressure and arterial elasticity by statins

It is well known that dyslipidemia and hypertension frequently coexist. There is increasing recognition of a mutually facilitative interaction between dyslipidemia and renin- angiotensin system (RAS) activation in the development of atherosclerosis. Both of these systems share many of the same properties in terms of activation of pro-inflammatory, pro-oxidant and pro-atherosclerosis pathways. Statins in particular have been shown to influence the biology of endothelial cells, vascular smooth muscle cells and constituents of the interstitial matrix, particularly fibroblasts. It is no wonder that concurrent therapy of dyslipidemia with statins enhances the effects of RAS inhibitors. Although the effects of statins on the regulation of determinants of vascular stiffness are not well defined, it is quite likely that these regulatory pathways will be influenced by dyslipidemia therapy, especially statins.