Up-regulation of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase activity in left-sided human colon cancer
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Published on: October 21, 2022
Maria Notarnicola1, Caterina Messa, Maria Pricci
1Laboratory of Biochemistry, National Institute of Digestive Disease, Castellana Grotte, Bari, Italy.
Background:
We evaluated the HMGCoA reductase activity and LDL receptor levels in human colon cancer as well as the effects of simvastatin on in vitro cell growth and apoptosis of DLD-1 and Caco2 cell lines.
Materials And Methods:
HMGCoA reductase activity and LDL receptor were measured by radiochemical assay and ELISA method, respectively. Cell growth and apoptosis were evaluated by MTT-test and DNA fragmentation analysis, respectively.
Results:
Higher HMGCoA reductase activity and LDL receptor levels were detected in cancer than in normal mucosa. An up-regulation of HMGCoA reductase activity was detected in left-sided tumors. Simvastatin treatment produced marked anti-proliferative and pro-aptotic effects in DLD-1. Cell growth inhibition, but no apoptosis, was also evident in Caco2 cells.
Conclusion:
The cholesterol pathway is involved in colon malignant transformation. Therapeutic strategies using HMGCoA reductase inhibitors as anti-cancer compounds should also take into consideration the biological and clinical differences detected inside colon tracts.
