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Differential Effects of Lipid-lowering Drugs in Modulating Morphology of Cholesterol Particles
Published on: November 10, 2017
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Statins and the Brain: More than Lipid Lowering Agents?
Anna Fracassi1, Martina Marangoni2, Pamela Rosso1,3
1Department of Science, University of Rome "Roma Tre", Italy.
Current Neuropharmacology
|July 6, 2017
Summary
Statins, used for high cholesterol, show potential in treating brain diseases by affecting the mevalonate pathway. However, their neuroprotective effects require further research for clinical application.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Pharmacology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Statins inhibit 3-βhydroxy 3β-methylglutaryl Coenzyme A reductase (HMGR), impacting the mevalonate pathway.
- This pathway produces essential compounds regulating central nervous system functions.
- Statins exhibit pleiotropic effects, suggesting potential in modulating brain processes and diseases.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties of statins in the brain.
- To examine the effects of statins on various brain diseases.
- To provide updated information on statin efficacy in neurological conditions.
Main Methods:
- Literature search of PubMed database.
- Keywords included: statins, brain, central nervous system, neurological diseases, neurodegeneration, brain tumors, mood, stroke.
- Analysis of 315 selected scientific articles.
Main Results:
- Evidence suggests statin treatment may prevent or improve symptoms in several brain pathologies.
- Some studies indicate statins are effective in neurological disease management.
- Conversely, other research failed to demonstrate significant neuroprotective effects of statins.
Conclusions:
- Research indicates statin therapy has functional outcomes in the brain.
- Further investigation is needed to confirm the pharmacological effectiveness of statins in neurological conditions.
- More research will support the clinical use of statins for neuropathologies.
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