Spotlight on statins

M. S. Weber, O. Stuve, O. Neuhaus, H. P. Hartung, Scott S. Zamvil

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

9 Scopus citations

Abstract

Statins are among the most widely prescribed drugs to prevent cardiovascular morbidity. Over recent years, statins have also been shown to exert pleiotropic immunomodulatory effects that might be of therapeutic benefit in autoimmune disorders. Interestingly, the primary mechanism by which statins alter immune function appears to be largely independent of lipid-lowering and mediated primarily through inhibition of post-translational prenylation of regulatory proteins. In experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis, the mouse model for multiple sclerosis (MS), statins prevent and even reverse established paralysis. Furthermore, statins were recently shown to exert synergistic benefit in combination with some agents already approved for MS therapy. Based upon these encouraging results obtained in the animal model, statins are now being evaluated in clinical trials as potential therapy for MS.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)93-97
Number of pages5
JournalInternational MS Journal
Volume14
Issue number3
StatePublished - Sep 2007

Keywords

  • Experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis
  • Immunomodulatory agents
  • Multiple sclerosis
  • Novel therapy
  • Statins

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Neurology
  • Clinical Neurology

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