Anti-fungal effect of HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors.

Ergosterol is an essential component of virtually all fungal cells as it is required for membrane integrity and also for growth. Its importance is underlined by the fact that most antifungal agents interfere with ergosterol either by directoly inhibiting its biosynthesis (allylamines, azoles, morpho lines, thiocarbamates) or by interacting with it the cell membrane (polyenes) . HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors also specially inhibits sterol synthesis at the point of 3-hydroxy-3-methyglutaryl coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase. Mode of action and properties of the sterol synthesis inhibition of HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors are similar to those of antifungal agents.The antifungal activity of HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors (pravastatin Na, simvastatin carboxylate) was studied with the agar dilution mothod.In the caseAspergillus furnigatus, growth inhibition of pravastatin appears to result from the inhibition of ergosterol biosynthesis. Simvastatin also exhibits a spectrum activity in vitro against dermatophytes (Epidermophyton floccosum, Microsporum audouinii and Trichophyton rubrum) .Our results suggest that HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors is a useful drug not only the treatment of hyperlipidemia but also a prevention of fungal infection.