3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-CoA (HMG-CoA) reductase is the key enzyme in cholesterol synthesis. Statins are used in treatment of hypercholesterolemia as inhibitors of HMG-CoA reductase. Cancer cells overexpress HMG-CoA reductase enzyme. Recent studies have demonstrated that statins may inhibit the proliferation of human breast cancer cells. Statins have proangiogenic effects in low therapeutic concentrations and angiostatic effects in higher concentrations. Statins induce apoptosis and reduce cell invasiveness in various cell lines, including malignant glioma, neuroblastoma and myeloid leukemia. The chemopreventive activity of statins against cancer is suggested to depend on inhibition of cholesterol synthesis together with their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

cholesterol, statins, cancer, HMG-CoA