Effect of atorvastatin and methotrexate on solid Ehrlich tumor.

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Biochemistry
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Cholesterol synthesis, regulated by HMG-CoA reductase, is linked to cancer development.
• Atorvastatin, a cholesterol-lowering drug, shows potential in cancer treatment and overcoming chemotherapy resistance.
• Methotrexate (MTX) is a common chemotherapeutic agent.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the individual and combined effects of MTX and atorvastatin on solid Ehrlich carcinoma (SEC) in mice.
• To assess the impact on tumor volume, oxidative stress markers, cholesterol levels, and inflammatory markers.
• To investigate histopathological and immunohistochemical changes, including p53 expression and apoptosis.

Main Methods:

• Fifty BALB/c mice were divided into five groups: control, SEC, SEC+MTX, SEC+atorvastatin, and SEC+MTX+atorvastatin.
• Tumor volume, tissue glutathione reductase (GR), catalase, malondialdehyde (MDA), cholesterol, and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) were measured.
• Histopathological and immunohistochemical analyses were performed on tumor tissues.

Main Results:

• Both MTX and atorvastatin, alone and in combination, significantly reduced tumor volume, MDA, cholesterol, and TNF-α levels.
• Combined therapy led to a significant increase in tissue catalase and GR activity.
• Histopathological examination revealed improved tissue structure, increased p53 expression, and a higher apoptotic index in treated groups.

Conclusions:

• MTX and atorvastatin exhibit significant anti-cancer effects against solid Ehrlich carcinoma in mice.
• The combination of MTX and atorvastatin demonstrates enhanced efficacy compared to either agent alone.
• This combination therapy holds promise for improving cancer treatment outcomes by reducing tumor burden and enhancing cellular defense mechanisms.