HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors in organ transplantation

Hydroxymethylglutaryl coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase inhibitors reduces serum cholesterol in patients with high cholesterol blood levels including organ transplant recipients. HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor also inhibits a series of immune responses and thus have the potential of exerting immunosuppressive effect in patients with organ allografts. Experimentally, HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors reduces transplant arteriosclerosis. Whether this is linked to an immunosuppressive effect or not is unknown. There is little evidence that post-transplant hyperlipidemia directly increases the risk of cardiovascular diseases. Lipid lowering with HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor is not indicated for all allograft recipients but should be used if other cardiovascular risk factors are present.