Figure 1: The mevalonate pathway. Statins inhibit production of HMG-CoA reductase, which is responsible for the conversion of HMG-CoA to mevalonate and thus prevent downstream cholesterol, ubiquinone-, and dolichol - dependent effects. (Adopted from: Hothersall E, Mc Sharry C, Thomson NC (2006) Potential therapeutic role for statins in respiratory disease. Thorax 61: 729-734).