Statins: 3-Hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-CoA (HMG-CoA) Reductase Inhibitors Demonstrate Anti-Atherosclerotic Character due to Their Antioxidant Capacity

Atherosclerosis is a chronic inflammatory disease of multiple etiologies. It is
associated with the accumulation of oxidized lipids in arterial lesions leading to coronary
heart disease. 3-Hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase inhibitors
(commonly known as statins) are widely used in cardiovascular disease prevention to lower
the cholesterol. The antioxidant activity of HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors was studied by
lipid peroxidation inhibition assay, DPPH, and hydroxyl radical scavenging-activity
methods. The lovastatin (93%) and simvastatin (96%) showed significant action of lipid
peroxidation inhibition compared to other HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors. The DPPH
radical and hydroxyl radical scavenging activity of simvastatin was 38% and 33%,
respectively. The oxidative modification of serum lipid due to reactive oxygen species
causes atherosclerosis. This study revealed the importance of lovastatin and simvastatin to
prevent oxidative stress-related cardiovascular diseases.