The 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-CoA reductase inhibitors (statins) are used extensively in the treatment of hyperlipidemia. They have also demonstrated a secondary benefit in a variety of other disease processes, actions which are known as pleiotropic effects. Review of the current pulmonary literature suggests a potential advantage of statin usage in a variety of pulmonary conditions. Our paper serves as a focused discussion on the pleiotropic effects of statins in the most common pulmonary disorders.
Keywords: Comprehensive review; Pleiotropic effects; Pulmonary disease; Statins.
Copyright © 2014. Published by Elsevier Ltd.