The effect of statins on the organs: similar or contradictory?

Abstract

Hydroxy-Methyl-Glutaryl-CoA reductase (HMGCR) - the main enzyme of the cholesterol biosynthesis pathway - is mostly inhibited by statins in hepatocytes. In spite of the other tissues, liver utilizes cholesterol in different ways such as the synthesis of bile acids, excretion in to the intestine and synthesis of lipoproteins. Therefore, statins theoretically alter these pathways; although, there have not been such effects. In this review, we aim to show the roles of extra-hepatic tissues, in particular intestine, adipose and cutaneous tissues in providing the cholesterol after reduction of the whole body cholesterol content by statins.