Statin-mediated neuroprotective effects on retinal ganglion cells involve modulation of caspase levels after acute retinal ischaemia/reperfusion

Statins are 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutarylcoenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase inhibitors broadly used to treat hypercholesterolemia. Clinical trials demonstrated that statins markedly reduce the incidence of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events in patients with coronary artery disease, regardless of serum cholesterol levels. Mechanisms of statin action involve the improvement of endothelial function and suppression of inflammatory reactions. However, there is a lack of studies related to the effects of statins on delayed neuronal death, and potential targets remain unexplored. Emerging evidence supports an important…