Hypotensive effects of statins. A place for hydrogen sulfide in the puzzle?

Lipid lowering 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase inhibitors--statins--significantly diminish the risk of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in patients with cardiovascular diseases. Moreover, some clinical trials results indicate that this group of drugs reduces blood pressure, especially in patients with hypertension. In the article pleiotropic effects of statins that might have influence on blood pressure are discussed. Recent data on the role of gaseous messenger hydrogen sulfide (H2S) in cardiovascular biology and kidney physiology are presented with the focus on the latest findings of atorvastatin increasing H2S tissue concentration in kidneys.