Figure 2.

Mevalonate pathway for cholesterol biosynthesis showing the effects of inhibition of HMG-CoA reductase by statins. Statins decrease the isoprenylation of signaling molecules, which leads to modulation (↑[increase]/↓[decrease]) of various signaling pathways. Mitohormesis: Increased stress defense against oxidative damage to mitochondria and tissues. eNOS: Endothelial nitric oxide synthetase; ET-1: Endothelin-1; ETC: Electron transport chain; NADPH: Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (reduced); PAI-1: Plasminogen activator inhibitor-1; t-PA: Tissue-type plasminogen activator