A New Treatment for Portal Hypertension? Don C. Rockey  Gastroenterology  Volume 150, Issue 5, Pages 1077-1080 (May 2016) DOI: 10.1053/j.gastro.2016.03.015 Copyright © 2016 AGA Institute Terms and Conditions

Figure 1 Cell and molecular mechanisms of statins. Statins have pleotropic molecular effects. In sinusoidal endothelial cells, they seem to directly affect the eNOS signaling pathway. They activate Akt, which in turn leads to activation of endothelial nitric oxide (NO) synthase (eNOS), resulting in NO production and intrahepatic vasodilation. Statins also seem to have effects on hepatic stellate cells, interrupting a number of signaling cascades, some of which may be involved in their activation, fibrogenesis and/or contractility. There also is the potential for downstream paracrine effects of statins on either sinusoidal endothelial cells or hepatic stellate cells as highlighted by the arrows. Currently available evidence suggests cross talk each way. Together, available data suggest that statins have beneficial effects on both sinusoidal endothelial cells and hepatic stellate cells within the liver. Gastroenterology 2016 150, 1077-1080DOI: (10.1053/j.gastro.2016.03.015) Copyright © 2016 AGA Institute Terms and Conditions