Effect of Statins on Superoxide Dismutase Level: A Systematic Review

Background and objective: The literature suggests that statins may increase superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels by different mechanisms. These effects may contribute to the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of statins, which are thought to be beneficial in preventing cardiovascular events. However, there are also conflicting results concerning the effect of statins on SOD levels. The goal of this systematic review was to evaluate the effect of statin therapy on SOD activity. Methods: This systematic review was performed based on the PRISMA statement. The terms ("statin" or "HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor" OR "lipid-lowering agents" OR "Atorvastatin" OR "Simvastatin" OR "Pravastatin" OR "Fluvastatin" OR "Lovastatin") AND ("superoxide dismutase" OR "SOD" OR "anti-oxidative" OR "oxidative stress") were searched in database systems Google Scholar, PubMed/MEDLINE, and Scopus from inception to April 2022. Results: A total of 14 controlled clinical trials - 10 randomized and 4 non-randomized - were found to be eligible. Four studies measured SOD levels in plasma, six in serum, two in red blood cells, one in venous blood, and one on both red blood cells and venous blood matrices. Seven clinical trials used atorvastatin, six used simvastatin, and four used rosuvastatin. Six studies reported an increase in SOD activity, seven found no significant changes, and one showed a reduced SOD activity. Conclusion: Our systematic review suggests that treatment with statins has a positive effect on SOD activity. However, evidence from further randomized controlled trials is required to confirm the potential antioxidant effect of statin therapy.