Statins Promote Potent Systemic Antioxidant Effects Through Specific Inflammatory Pathways

Abstract

Statins promote potent systemic antioxidant effects through suppression of distinct oxidation pathways. The major pathways inhibited include formation of myeloperoxidase-derived and nitric oxide-derived oxidants, species implicated in atherogenesis. The present results suggest potential mechanisms that may contribute to the beneficial actions of statins. They also have important implications for monitoring the antiinflammatory and antioxidant actions of these agents.