A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of the Effect of Statins on Glutathione Peroxidase, Superoxide Dismutase, and Catalase

Statins may exert protective effects against oxidative stress by upregulating specific antioxidant mechanisms. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of the effect of statins on three key antioxidant enzymes: glutathione peroxidase (GPx), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase. The electronic databases PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus were searched from inception to July 2021. The risk of bias was assessed with the Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal Checklist and certainty of evidence was assessed using the GRADE framework. In 15 studies, reporting 17 treatment arms in 773 patients (mean age 53 years, 54% males), statins significantly increased the concentrations of both GPx (standardized mean difference, SMD = 0.80, 95% confidence interval, CI 0.13 to 1.46, p = 0.018; high certainty of evidence) and SOD (SMD = 1.54, 95% CI 0.71 to 2.36, p < 0.001; high certainty of evidence), but not catalase (SMD = -0.16, 95% CI -0.51 to 0.20, p = 0.394; very low certainty of evidence). The pooled SMD values were not altered in sensitivity analysis. There was no publication bias. In conclusion, statin treatment significantly increases the circulating concentrations of GPx and SOD, suggesting an antioxidant effect of these agents (PROSPERO registration number: CRD42021271589).