New pleiotropic effects of statins: implications for telomerase activity and telomere length

Abstract

The results of clinical studies conducted in recent times, suggest that statins have a number pleiotropic effects, among which a special attention deserves the ability to slow the rate of telomere erosion and increase telomerase activity. It is known that telomeres are the biological marker of aging. Thus, it can be assumed that statins are potential geroprotectors, because this group of drugs is one side influencing the overall mortality by decreasing the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases, but on the other hand, slows down the aging process, influencing his cause. The following review analyzes studies indicating that associative links between taking statins, the rate of telomere shortening and telomerase activity.