Akademik

stat·in 'stat-ən n any of a group of drugs (as lovastatin and simvastatin) that inhibit the synthesis of cholesterol and promote the production of LDL-binding receptors in the liver resulting in a usu. marked decrease in the level of LDL and a modest increase in the level of HDL circulating in blood plasma

any one of a class of drugs that inhibit the action of hydroxymethylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase (HMG-CoA reductase), an enzyme that is involved in the liver's production of cholesterol. Statins can lower the levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDLs) by 25-45% and are used mainly to treat hypercholesterolaemia but also to reduce the risk of coronary heart disease in susceptible patients. Muscle inflammation and breakdown is a rare but serious side-effect of statins. The class includes atorvastatin, cerivastatin (Lipobay), fluvastatin (Lescol), pravastatin, and simvastatin.