Statins have become one of the most prescribed drugs in theworld.This medications are in the treatment of dyslipidemia and in the prevention of cardiovascular diseases. Recently, new evidence has emerged about their mechanisms of action and their pleiotropic properties well beyond lowering cholesterol levels. This pharmacodynamic action has called the attention of many investigators who suggest their use in several diseases centered on inflammation, immune disorders and cell proliferation. Although there is wide evidence that recognizes its efficacy in several disease models, there is still a lack of studies to approve their use in clinical practice. We present a review of their pharmacodynamic properties focusing on the pathophysiology that suggests their clinical use in the treatment of several diseases.

statins; alzheimer disease; rheumatoid arthritis; osteoporosis; cancer; sepsis