Las estatinas como antioxidantes

Excessive local production of reactive oxygen species, especially superoxide anions, is an important mechanism underlying the development of atherosclerosis. As a consequence of this increase in oxidative stress, the possibility of lowdensity lipoprotein (LDL) oxidation increases, and LDL in turn are able to stimulate the enzymes involved in the production of free radicals, creating a vicious circle. Numerous studies performed with HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors, or statins, have demonstrated the efficacy of these drugs in reducing cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. This beneficial effect is due not only to their ability to reduce cholesterol synthesis but also to their pleiotropic effects, among which is their antioxidant effect. Statins inhibit superoxide anion production by macrophages and endothelial cells, in addition to acting on enzymes and redox regulation agents. Thus, statins could decrease the expression and activity of NAD(P)H-oxidase, reduce ubiquinones, the enzymes involved in mitochondrial electron transport, and increase the activity of anti-oxidant enzymes and nitric oxide synthase. Therefore, the anti-oxidant effects of statins could contribute to their clinical efficacy on treatment of cardiovascular diseases, as well as that of other processes associated with an increase in oxidative stress.