Topical statins as antifungals: a review

Area of Science:

• Mycology
• Pharmacology
• Dermatology

Background:

• Cutaneous fungal infections are common globally.
• Increasing reports of severe, multi-drug resistant fungal infections necessitate novel therapeutic strategies.
• Drug repurposing, particularly of statins, is being investigated due to their pleiotropic effects.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the antifungal potential of statins, both systemic and topical.
• To explore the synergistic effects of statins with conventional antifungals.
• To discuss mechanisms of action and formulations for topical statin application in fungal infections.

Main Methods:

• Review of in vitro studies on statins' antifungal activity.
• Analysis of synergistic interactions between statins and antifungals (Imidazole, Triazole).
• Examination of research on topical statin formulations and their efficacy.

Main Results:

• Statins exhibit antifungal effects through mechanisms like ergosterol inhibition and mitochondrial disruption.
• Synergistic antifungal activity observed between various statins and Imidazole/Triazole antifungals.
• Topical statin formulations show promise for treating dermatologic fungal diseases, potentially reducing systemic side effects.

Conclusions:

• Statins represent a promising avenue for combating drug-resistant fungal infections.
• Topical statin application is an emerging strategy for localized fungal infections, offering an alternative to systemic treatments.
• Further research into topical statin formulations is warranted to optimize their use in treating fungal skin diseases.