In medicine, statin belongs to the pharmacological substance class 3 of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase inhibitors (HMG-CoA reductase). HMG-CoA is an intermediate in cholesterol synthesis in humans, which is why statins are used to lower cholesterol in dyslipidemia.
What is statin?
Statins are so-called CSE inhibitors and thus lead to a reduction in blood cholesterol levels. Statins are so-called CSE inhibitors and thus lead to a lowering of cholesterol levels in the blood. However, statins is also an alternative name for the so-called inhibiting hormones (neurohormones) of the hypothalamus (regulatory center in the diencephalon). Statins in the form of drugs affect lipid metabolism and have the highest potency.
Pharmacologic action
Statins have different effects on the human body. For example, statins act primarily as lipid-lowering agents and inhibit HMG-CoA reductase. HMG-CoA is a substance required by the body for the biosynthesis of cholesterol. Thus, the body forms less cholesterol when taking statins. Cells are usually deficient in cholesterol, so they produce multiple amounts of LDL receptors. LDL is responsible for some damage (e.g. arteriosclerosis), taking statins removes LDL from the bloodstream and risks for diseases like heart attacks or strokes are reduced. Furthermore, statins act as a kind of stabilizer for arteriosclerotic deposits (plaques) on vessels. Here they show an indirect anti-inflammatory effect. Controlled studies show that statins are now also used for so-called immunomodulation. They can be used, for example, in transplant surgery or in the treatment of multiple sclerosis. However, more research is needed before statins can actually be used in these areas. Studies from 2012 show that statins can have a positive effect on the treatment of cancer. For example, the risk of dying from cancer was 15 percent lower for patients over the age of 40 if they took statins.
Medical application and use
Statins are used whenever patients are affected by isolated hypercholesterolemia (excessive blood cholesterol levels, such as polygenic or familial hypercholesterolemia) or combined hyperlipidemia (elevated cholesterol, elevated triglycerides, elevated lipoproteins). Statins can also be used as primary and secondary prophylaxis against atherosclerosis. Statins lead to a reduction in LDL concentrations of up to 40 percent during therapy. As a rule, there is then a simultaneous increase in HDL cholesterol.
Risks and side effects
So-called toxic myopathies are probably the most serious side effects of statins. In toxic myopathy, structural and functional changes occur in the muscles of the skeleton. Probably the most severe form of toxic myopathy known is rhabdomyolysis (dissolution of muscle fibers), which results in complete paralysis of all limbs and often even death. Statins should not be taken during pregnancy either, as they have a so-called teratogenic effect (malformative effect) in humans. In connection with the intake of statins, memory loss has occurred in at least 60 cases to date, and there are also some indications that memory and attention may decline when statins are taken. Furthermore, observations have been made that suggest increased irritability as well as increased aggressiveness as a result of taking statins. Nightmares have also been reported after taking statins. Other side effects known in connection with taking statins include damage to the liver, headaches, nausea and vomiting, fatigue or else sleep disturbances, heartburn, flatulence in connection with abdominal pain, constipation or diarrhea, painful joints, sensitivity to light, anemia, loss of hair or else damage to nerves. In addition, statin use can lead to possible kidney damage; according to studies, kidney problems are to be expected especially in the first two years of use.Furthermore, muscle pain and cramps, gastrointestinal problems, flu-like illnesses, eczema or vascular inflammation may develop. It is also possible that statins have a reducing effect on the body’s own Q10 metabolism. The risk of developing diabetes mellitus is also increased when taking statin.