Statins for ACTA2 mutation-driven atherosclerosis?

Eur Heart J. 2023 Aug 1;44(29):2727-2729. doi: 10.1093/eurheartj/ehad364.

Abstract

Statins suppress atherosclerosis via multiple mechanisms. Statins decrease plasma LDL-cholesterol (LDL-C) by suppressing cholesterol synthesis in the liver and increasing the expression of the LDL receptor (LDL-R). Previous studies have shown that statins, targeted to the arterial wall in nanoparticles, decrease macrophage inflammation and monocyte influx (cross-talk indicated by the blue arrow). Black arrows indicate delivery of statins to the liver or atherosclerotic plaques. The study by Kaw et al. shows that statins decrease atherosclerosis in mice carrying the Acta2R149C/+ variant, mainly by suppressing smooth muscle cell (SMC) cholesterol synthesis. The athero-protective effects of statins in Acta2R149C/+Apoe−/− mice may support the cross-talk between SMCs and other cell types in atherosclerotic plaques (indicated by dashed blue arrows). The figure has been created with Biorender.com.

Publication types

  • Editorial
  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Comment

MeSH terms

  • Actins
  • Atherosclerosis* / drug therapy
  • Atherosclerosis* / genetics
  • Cholesterol
  • Humans
  • Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors* / therapeutic use
  • Muscle, Smooth
  • Mutation / genetics
  • Myocytes, Smooth Muscle

Substances

  • Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors
  • Actins
  • Cholesterol
  • ACTA2 protein, human