Statins and the kidney.

Experience to date suggests that 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase inhibitors or statins can be used relatively safely and effectively to treat dyslipidaemia complicating renal disease. Recent studies suggest that in addition to lowering plasma lipid levels, these drugs modify other factors that contribute to vascular injury. Furthermore, statins could slow the progression of chronic renal failure and may augment the action of immunosuppressive therapy after renal transplantation. Such newly defined actions, some of which could be unrelated to lipid lowering, are likely to extend the applications of statins in nephrology.