Statins for neuroprotection in spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage.

Statins, a common drug class for treatment of dyslipidemia, may be neuroprotective for spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) by targeting secondary brain injury pathways in the surrounding brain parenchyma. Statin-mediated neuroprotection may stem from downregulation of mevalonate and its derivatives, targeting key cell signaling pathways that control proliferation, adhesion, migration, cytokine production, and reactive oxygen species generation. Preclinical studies have consistently demonstrated the neuroprotective and recovery enhancement effects of statins, including improved neurologic function, reduced cerebral edema, increased angiogenesis and neurogenesis, accelerated hematoma clearance, and decreased inflammatory cell infiltration.