Statin use in acute coronary syndromes: cellular mechanisms and clinical evidence

Purpose of review Review the cellular mechanisms and clinical evidence for the use of statins in patients with unstable coronary syndromes. Recent findings Clinical trials of statin therapy in acute coronary syndromes demonstrate a rapid improvement in endothelial function, improved perfusion to ischemic myocardium, and an early reduction in cardiovascular events. The early benefit of statin therapy is related to a combination of molecular mechanisms that involve the oxidized LDL receptor (LOX-1), endothelial localized nitric oxide synthase, inflammatory cytokines, interstitial collagenases, and tissue factor expression. In human atheroma, 3 months' use of statin (pravastatin) therapy reduced the content of oxidized LDL, inflammatory cells (macrophage, T cells) infiltrates, and improved plaque stability by increasing the Collagen content of the fibrous cap. Summary The antiatherothrombotic effects of statin therapy appear to have important clinical relevance to patients with impaired myocardial perfusion and acute coronary syndrome.