Several reviews have addressed the role of dyslipidemia in renal injury and the potential renal protective effects of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase inhibitors (statins). Experimental evidence in animals strongly supports the concept that statins may be renal protective. However, data in humans are scanty and contradictory. A recent controlled study using rosuvastatin has cast some doubts on the renal protective effect of this drug. This article reviews the available evidence pro and con the renal protective effects of statins in human subjects.