Simvastatin Inhibits Cigarette Smoking–induced Emphysema and Pulmonary Hypertension in Rat Lungs

Abstract

Simvastatin ameliorated the structural and functional derangements of the lungs caused by cigarette smoking, partly by suppressing inflammation and matrix metalloproteinase-9 induction and preventing pulmonary vascular abnormality. These findings indicate that statins may play a role in the treatment of cigarette smoking-induced chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.