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World J Hepatol. Dec 27, 2013; 5(12): 676-684
Published online Dec 27, 2013. doi: 10.4254/wjh.v5.i12.676
New compounds able to control hepatic cholesterol metabolism: Is it possible to avoid statin treatment in aged people?
Laura Trapani, Marco Segatto, Valentina Pallottini
Laura Trapani, Marco Segatto, Valentina Pallottini, Department of Science, Section Biomedical Science and Technologies, University Roma Tre, 00146 Rome, Italy
Author contributions: All the authors participated in writing the paper; Pallottini V projected and supervised the review structure.
Correspondence to: Valentina Pallottini, Assistant Professor of Physiology, Department of Science, Section Biomedical Science and Technologies, University Roma Tre, Viale Marconi 446, 00146 Rome, Italy. pallottini@uniroma3.it
Telephone: +39-6-57336344 Fax:+39-6-57336321
Received: July 31, 2013
Revised: October 20, 2013
Accepted: November 15, 2013
Published online: December 27, 2013
Core Tip

Core tip: The strategies used to reduce plasma cholesterol levels in elderly people are mainly addressed to the inhibition of the rate limiting enzyme of cholesterol biosynthetic pathway, 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-CoA reductase (HMGR), in order to increase low density lipoprotein (LDL) receptor membrane exposure and LDL clearance from the circulation. Indeed current therapies are mostly based on the prescription of statins (HMGR inhibitors) that are pretty effective but that exert side effects. More attention should be given to potential drug interactions, potential age-related changes in drug pharmacokinetics, adverse effects such as myopathy and competing risks when statins are prescribed to elderly. Thus, new therapeutic agents should be taken into account.