Anti-Hyperlipidemic Effect of Statins and the Role of Nanomedicine in Enhancing Their Bioactivity: A Narrative Review

Volume 15 , Issue 1 , June 2025 , Pages 1-11

Authors

Firdaus Nuri Ahmed 1 ; Salman Jaff 2 ; Gasha Abdalla Mohammed 3

1 Department of Basic medical science, college of medicine, university of Sulaimani, Sulaymaniyah, Iraq

2 2.Department of Pharmacy, College of Medicine, Komar University of Scienc e and Technology, Sulaymaniyah, Iraq. 3;Department of Pharmacy, Kurdistan Technical Institute, Sulaymaniyah, Kurdistan Region of Iraq.

3 2: Department of Pharmacy, Kurdistan Technical Institute, Sulaymaniyah, Kurdistan Region of Iraq.

DOI logo 10.17656/jsmc.10486

Keywords

Abstract

Hyperlipidemia, characterised by elevated levels of lipids in the blood, is a significant risk factor for atherosclerosis and cardiovascular diseases. Statins, or HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors, are the most widely prescribed lipid-lowering agents due to their proven efficacy in reducing cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein, triglyceride, and associated cardiovascular events. However, poor bioavailability, dose-dependent side effects, and limited tissue targeting often hinder their therapeutic potential.

To address these challenges, nanotechnology-based drug delivery systems have emerged as a novel approach to enhance the pharmacological performance of statins. Various nanocarriers have been explored to improve statin solubility, stability, and targeted delivery while minimising systemic toxicity. These include lipid-based nanocarriers (such as solid lipid nanoparticles, nanostructured lipid carriers, and nanoemulsions), polymeric nanoparticles, micelles, nanogels, liposomes, dendrimers, and carbon nanotubes. Each system offers distinct advantages in improving drug encapsulation, controlling release, and enhancing cellular uptake.

This review highlights the pathological basis of hyperlipidemia, the mechanism of statin action, and the promising role of nanocarriers in overcoming current therapeutic limitations. However, clinical studies remain limited, and preclinical findings are promising; further clinical validation is essential for translating these nanomedicine strategies into safe and effective treatments for hyperlipidemia

Statistics
  • Article view736
  • Downloads38
  • First online21 June 2025
  • Published at21 June 2025

  • RIS
  • BibTeX
  • EndNote
  • Mendeley
  • APA (7th edition)
  • MLA (9th edition)
  • Chicago
  • Harvard
  • IEEE
  • Vancouver