Primary research
Pravastatin inhibits cell proliferation and increased MAT1A expression in hepatocarcinoma cells and in vivo models
1 Department of Gastroenterology, Donostia Hospital, Instituto Biodonostia, University of the Basque Country EHU/UPV, Ciberehd, San Sebastián, Spain
2 Department of Hepatology, University of Navarra, CIMA, Ciberehd, Pamplona, Spain
Cancer Cell International 2012, 12:5 doi:10.1186/1475-2867-12-5
Published: 21 February 2012Abstract
Background
Statins may have therapeutic effects on hepatocarcinoma (HCC). This type of disorder is the most common malignant primary tumour in the liver. Our objective was to determine whether pravastatin had a therapeutic effect in vitro and in vivo models.
Method
We design in vitro and in vivo model. In vitro we used PLC and determine cell proliferation. In vivo, we used and animal model to determined, PCNA and MAT1A expression and transaminases levels.
Results
We found that pravastatin decreases cell proliferation in vitro (cell proliferation in pravastatin group was 82%, in sorafenib group 51% and in combined group 40%) and in vivo (in pravastatin group 80%, in sorafenib group 76.4% and in combined group 72.72%). The MAT1A levels, was significantly higher in Pravastatin group (D 62%, P 94%, S 71%, P + S 91%). The transaminases levels, decreased significantly in Pravastatin group (GOT and GPT levels D 619.5 U/L; 271 U/L) (P 117.5 U/L; 43.5 U/L) (S 147 U/L; 59 U/L) (P + S 142 U/L; 59 U/L).
Conclusion
The combination of pravastatin + sorafenib were more effective than Sorafenib alone.
