Mechanisms and clinical evidence of the pleiotropic effects of the hydroxy-methyl-glutaryl-CoA reductase inhibitors in central nervous system disorders: a comprehensive review.

The hydroxy-methyl-glutaryl-CoA reductase inhibitors, better known as statins, are principally used in the treatment of hyperlipidemia and play a pivotal role in the primary and secondary prevention of atherosclerotic heart disease and stroke. Evidence also exists for the potential benefits from statin use in a variety of other disease processes, conferred via their non-lipid lowering properties, which are known as pleiotropic effects. Our paper serves as a focused and updated discussion on the pleiotropic effects of statins in neurological disorders. Emphasis is placed on the discussion of randomized, placebo-controlled trials, and their importance in further elucidating this interesting phenomenon.