Statins Reduce Inflammation, DVT, Osteoporosis, and Colon Cancer MECHANISMS OF STATINS

34 BACKGROUND Statin medications lower serum cholesterol by competitively inhibiting HMG-CoA reductase. By this mechanism, statins effectively lower LDL cholesterol and reduce the risk of ischemic heart disease and stroke. The relative safety of statins has led to their widespread use, but recent research suggests that statins may have additional important therapeutic effects via other molecular pathways (1,2). We will outline our growing understanding of the mechanisms of statins, review the safety record of statins, and detail the effects of statins in inflammation, thrombosis, osteoporosis, cancer, and inflammatory bowel disease. Statins Reduce Inflammation, DVT, Osteoporosis, and Colon Cancer: Could They Be of Benefit in IBD? INFLAMMATORY BOWEL DISEASE: A PRACTICAL APPROACH, SERIES #19