Pharmacological exploitation of statin's pleiotropic effects

Abstract

The overall benefits observed with statins appear to be greater than what might be expected from changes in lipid levels alone. Some of these cholesterol - independent or “pleiotropic” effects of statins involve improving endothelial function, enhancing the stability of atherosclerotic plaques, decreasing oxidative stress and inflammation, inhibiting the thrombogenic response and some beneficial extrahepatic effects on the immune system and CNS.