Statins in Asthma: A Closer Look into the Pharmacological Mechanism of Action

Abstract

The effect of stains in asthma is mediated through targeting several signaling molecules that are involved in the development of asthma phenotype. In vitro and in vivo studies revealed that statins reduce airway smooth muscle cells proliferation and inflammatory mediators' release. Statins reduce chemokine release and mucus production from airway epithelial cells besides attenuating subepithelial fibrosis and eosinophils recruitment. In acute and chronic allergen driven animal models of asthma, statins reduce airway hyper-responsiveness, inflammation and remodeling. However, the effectiveness of statins in clinical trials results in contradictory conclusions based on study design and treatment protocol. Therefore, more clinical trials are needed to evaluate their role in asthma patients.