RT Journal Article SR Electronic T1 Up-regulation of 3-Hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl Coenzyme A Reductase Activity in Left-sided Human Colon Cancer JF Anticancer Research JO Anticancer Res FD International Institute of Anticancer Research SP 3837 OP 3842 VO 24 IS 6 A1 NOTARNICOLA, MARIA A1 MESSA, CATERINA A1 PRICCI, MARIA A1 GUERRA, VITO A1 ALTOMARE, DONATO FRANCESCO A1 MONTEMURRO, SEVERINO A1 CARUSO, MARIA GABRIELLA YR 2004 UL http://ar.iiarjournals.org/content/24/6/3837.abstract AB 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. Copyright© 2004 International Institute of Anticancer Research (Dr. John G. Delinassios), All rights reserved