Current Molecular Pharmacology - Volume 10, Issue 1, 2017

Inhibition of hydroxymethylglutaryl-coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase by pharmaceuticals, commonly referred to as statins, has proven to be an effective and efficient way in reducing cholesterol levels in patients. As a result of this intervention, mevalonate production, formed during cholesterol synthesis, is inhibited. Mevalonate is the precursor to a variety of crucial downstream products, including those involved with Read More

The cholesterol biosynthesis pathway, also referred to as the mevalonate (MVA) pathway, is responsible for the biosynthesis of two key isoprenoids: farnesyl pyrophosphate (FPP) and geranylgeranyl pyrophosphate (GGPP). Post-translational modification of small GTPases by FPP and GGPP has captured much attention due to their potential contribution to cancer, cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases. The enzyme 3-h Read More

The mevalonic acid synthesis pathway, cholesterol, and lipoproteins play fundamental roles in lung physiology and the innate immune response. Recent literature investigating roles for cholesterol synthesis and trafficking in host defense against respiratory infection was critically reviewed. The innate immune response and the cholesterol biosynthesis/trafficking network regulate one another, with important implications for Read More

Current evidence suggests that persisting and/or exaggerated inflammation in the lungs initiated by smoking, and up-regulated through genetic susceptibility, may result in lung remodelling and impaired repair. The mevalonate pathway, through its modifying effects on innate immune responsiveness, may be involved in these processes providing a plausible pathogenic link between the development of chronic obstructi Read More

Immunomodulatory effects of statins in vitro and in experimental models of asthma and COPD could potentially be relevant to the treatment of chronic airway diseases. This article provides an overview of the evidence from the key clinical studies on the effects of statins on clinical outcomes and inflammatory biomarkers in asthma and COPD. Future directions for clinical studies of statins in asthma and COPD are discussed. A Read More