What Are Statins Used For?

Statins are a type of prescription medication used for the reduction of a type of cholesterol called LDLs, or Low Density Lipoprotein. Statins can be produced through the fermentation of some kinds of molds. They are also produced synthetically. Examples of statin medication include Simcor, Lipobay and Lipitor.

History

• According to an article in the Journal of Lipid Research (link in Resources), The Discovery and Development of HMG-CoA Reductase Inhibitors--which was research leading to the discovery of statins--was conducted in Japan in the 1970s by Akira Endo and Masao Kuroda.

Function

• Statins function by preventing the liver from producing HMG-CoA Reductase, an enzyme necessary for LDL production. The statin takes the place of HMG-CoA Reductase (which is the first step in making LDL) and prevents the process from continuing.

Effects

• When statin drugs lower LDL production, the liver is sensitive to the effect and responds by producing more LDL receptors. The more numerous LDL receptors, in turn, bind and remove LDL from the body.

Significance

• The accumulation of cholesterol on artery walls causes atherosclerosis (a type of heart disease), as well as hypertension, by increasing pressure within the artery, and increases the risk of stroke by blocking blood flow. The ability of statin medication to reduce cholesterol on artery walls reduces the risk of all these conditions.

Considerations

• Statins are considered to be generally safe, but occasionally have had side effects including myalgia (muscle pain), weakness, and memory problems.