Statins and Sepsis: Possible Connections and Therapeutic Implications
Ndubuisi N. NwobodoDepartment of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Faculty of Clinical Medicine, Ebonyi State University, Abakaliki, Nigeria.
Corresponding Author E-mail: nnwobodo@yahoo.com
Abstract: Sepsis is a complex inflammatory syndrome induced by infection triggering the activation of multiple humoral cascades. A number of therapeutic interventions aimed at blocking these pathways have been carried out. However, merely blocking one component of inflammation is insufficient to arrest the multiple activated inflammatory cascades. The 3-HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors (statins) exhibit pleiotropic effects independent of lipid lowering, encompassing antiinflammatory, immunomodulatory, antiapoptic and antithrombotic properties. Evidence from experimental models of sepsis and randomized clinical trials suggest that statins have potential and promising prospects in ameliorating the consequences and reducing the mortality and morbidity associated with severe sepsis. Notwithstanding, the crucial role of statins in the prevention and treatment of sepsis, there is need for caution among clinicians, in the use of statins , considering the adverse effects associated with statin use in critically ill patients who may be on other medications.
Keywords: Experimental model; Inflammatory syndrome; Pleiotropic effect; Sepsis; Statins; Therapeutic implication Back to TOC