Can modulation of endothelial nitric oxide synthase explain the vasculoprotective actions of statins?

Trends Mol Med. 2001 May;7(5):189-91. doi: 10.1016/s1471-4914(01)01985-2.

Abstract

Statin-based drugs are the mainstay of therapy for coronary artery disease. Recent insights into the cellular mechanisms of this class of drugs suggest that modulation of nitric oxide synthesis contributes to their beneficial actions. These effects are independent of their lipid-lowering effects and result in enhanced nitric oxide release.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Anticholesteremic Agents / pharmacology*
  • Endothelium, Vascular / drug effects*
  • Humans
  • Hypolipidemic Agents / pharmacology*
  • Lipid Metabolism
  • Lovastatin / analogs & derivatives
  • Lovastatin / pharmacology*
  • Models, Biological
  • Nitric Oxide Synthase / metabolism*
  • Nitric Oxide Synthase Type III
  • Oxidative Stress
  • Protein Processing, Post-Translational
  • Rats

Substances

  • Anticholesteremic Agents
  • Hypolipidemic Agents
  • Lovastatin
  • NOS3 protein, human
  • Nitric Oxide Synthase
  • Nitric Oxide Synthase Type III
  • Nos3 protein, rat