Biochemical, structural and clinical analysis of statins’ pleiotropic effects

Based on the analysis of clinical and experimental studies, an attempt to explain pleiotropic effects of statins and their numerous action mechanisms has been performed. The pleiotropic effect concept includes: (a) medication effects on numerous targets, triggering various biochemical processes in the organism; b) the divergence of bio­chemical and pathophysiological processes triggered by one target. The pathochemical mechanisms of statins’ effects as HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors are explained. The authors also justify the independence of therapeutic and adverse effects of statins from their lipid and cholesterol-related mechanisms of action.