Title:Expanding the Therapeutic Potential of Statins by Means of Nanotechnology Enabled Drug Delivery Systems
Volume: 14
Issue: 9
Author(s): Bilquis Romana, Mellissa Batger, Clive A. Prestidge, Gaia Colombo and Fabio Sonvico
Affiliation:
Keywords:
Liposomes, micelles, nanocapsules, nanocrystals, nanoparticles, nanospheres, pleiotropic effects, statins.
Abstract: Statins are effective lipid lowering agents traditionally used for the primary and secondary prevention of cardiovascular
disease. Statins also exert a range of pleiotropic effects that make them attractive candidates for use in a wide
range of disorders, in particular inflammatory and immune mediated conditions. However, the exploitation of such pleiotropic
effects has been greatly hindered by poor bioavailability and adverse effects on muscles and the liver at higher
doses. Nanotechnology is often suggested as the solution to this problem, as it enables an increased bioavailability of statins.
Moreover, colloidal carriers can offer targeted drug delivery approaches that enable localised biological effects of
statins, further reducing their potential for unwanted toxicity and adverse effects. This article reviews the available evidences
for the increased potential of statin therapy when administered in nano-formulations such as nanocrystals,
nanoparticles, liposomes, micelles and various nano-enabled devices.