Essential fatty acids as possible mediators of the actions of statins

Statins and polyunsaturated fatty acids have similar actions: both enhance endothelial nitric oxide synthesis, inhibit the production of pro-inflammat ory cytokines, lower cholesterol levels, prevent atherosclerosis and are of benefit in coronary heart disease, stroke and osteoporosis. Statins enhanc e the conversion of linoleic acid and eicosapentaenoic acid to their long c hain derivatives. Animals with essential fatty acid deficiency show an incr ease in HMG-CoA reductase activity, which reverts to normalcy following top ical application of linoleic acid. Similarly to statins, polyunsaturated fa tty acids also inhibit HMG-CoA reductase activity. In view of the similarit y in their actions and as statins influence essential fatty acid metabolism , it is suggested that essential fatty acids and their metabolites may serv e as second messengers of the actions of statins. (C) 2001 Harcourt Publish ers Ltd.