New opportunities for statins during the COVID-19 pandemic 

Valentin E. Oleynikov, Doctor of medical sciences, professor, head of the sub-department of therapy, Medical Institute, Penza State University (40 Krasnaya street, Penza, Russia), v.oleynikof@gmail.com
Irina V. Avdeeva, Candidate of medical sciences, associate professor оf the sub-department of therapy, Medical Institute, Penza State University (40 Krasnaya street, Penza, Russia), eliseeva.iv1@gmail.ru

Background. Physicians around the world are faced with the fact that against the backdrop of COVID-19, there are both an exacerbation of chronic diseases existing in patients, and presentation of a new pathology associated with infection or drug treatment. One of the most common comorbid pathologies in this group of patients is cardiovascular disease. In this regard, an increased interest in statins is justified, given their lipid-lowering properties and a wide range of pleiotropic effects. Materials and methods. The article details the biochemical mechanisms of the effect of statins on inflammation based on the materials of a large number of international clinical studies. Results and conclusions. The positive effects of drugs in SARS-CoV-2 infection (influence on inflammation, in particular, “cytokine storm”, endothelial dysfunction, atherosclerotic plaque instability, myocardial hypoxia/ischemia, oxidative stress, thrombus formation) are indicated.

COVID-19, statins, pleyotropy, inflammation, endothelial dysfunction

Oleynikov V.E., Avdeeva I.V. New opportunities for statins during the COVID-19 pandemic. Izvestiya vysshikh uchebnykh zavedeniy. Povolzhskiy region. Meditsinskie nauki = University proceedings. Volga region. Medical sciences. 2022;(3):53–63. (In Russ.). doi:10.21685/2072-3032-2022-3-5