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Current Atherosclerosis Reports
Published in: Current Atherosclerosis Reports 5/2020

01-05-2020 | Atorvastatin | Statin Drugs (H.-.C Diener, Section Editor)

The Effect of Statins through Mast Cells in the Pathophysiology of Atherosclerosis: a Review

Authors: Hamideh Kouhpeikar, Zahra Delbari, Thozhukat Sathyapalan, Luis E. Simental-Mendía, Tannaz Jamialahmadi, Amirhossein Sahebkar

Published in: Current Atherosclerosis Reports | Issue 5/2020

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Abstract

Purpose of Review

In this review, we discuss the evidence supporting the effects of statins on mast cells (MCs) in atherosclerosis and their molecular mechanism of action.

Recent Findings

Statins or HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors are known for their lipid-lowering properties and are widely used in the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular diseases. There is growing evidence that statins have an inhibitory effect on MCs, which contributes to the pleiotropic effect of statins in various diseases. MCs are one of the crucial effectors of the immune system which play an essential role in the pathogenesis of multiple disorders. Recent studies have shown that MCs are involved in the development of atherosclerotic plaques. MCs secrete various inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, IL4, TNF-α, and IFNγ) and inflammatory mediators (histamine, tryptase, proteoglycans) after activation by various stimulants. This, in turn, will exacerbate atherosclerosis. Statins suppress the activation of MCs via IgE inhibition which leads to inhibition of inflammatory mediators and cytokines which are involved in the development and progression of atherosclerosis.

Summary

In keeping with this evidence presented here, MCs can be considered as one of the therapeutic targets for statins in the treatment of atherosclerosis.
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Metadata
Title
The Effect of Statins through Mast Cells in the Pathophysiology of Atherosclerosis: a Review
Authors
Hamideh Kouhpeikar
Zahra Delbari
Thozhukat Sathyapalan
Luis E. Simental-Mendía
Tannaz Jamialahmadi
Amirhossein Sahebkar
Publication date
01-05-2020
Publisher
Springer US
Published in
Current Atherosclerosis Reports / Issue 5/2020
Print ISSN: 1523-3804
Electronic ISSN: 1534-6242
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s11883-020-00837-9
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