Abstract
Statins have antiproliferative and anti-tumoral effects in MCF-7 cells. We determined the effect of statins upon MCF-7 cell cycle, toxicity, cell death, reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and mitochondrial membrane potential. Fluvastatin, simvastatin and atorvastatin inhibited cell proliferation. Antiproliferation was associated with a decrease in the DNA synthesis and a cell cycle arrest in the G1 and G2/M phases. A loss in the mitochondrial membrane potential was observed with fluvastatin. Statins induced increase in ROS production that was associated with cell death, which was abrogated by the antioxidant NAC. Our results suggest that the cytotoxic effect observed is mediated by an oxidative stress.
MeSH terms
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Acetylcysteine / pharmacology
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Antineoplastic Agents / pharmacology*
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Antioxidants / pharmacology
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Apoptosis / drug effects*
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Atorvastatin
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Breast Neoplasms / metabolism
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Breast Neoplasms / pathology*
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Cell Cycle / drug effects*
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Cell Line, Tumor
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Cell Membrane / drug effects
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Cell Proliferation / drug effects
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DNA Replication / drug effects
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Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
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Fatty Acids, Monounsaturated / pharmacology
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Female
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Fluvastatin
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Heptanoic Acids / pharmacology
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Humans
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Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors / pharmacology*
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Indoles / pharmacology
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Membrane Potential, Mitochondrial / drug effects
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Necrosis
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Oxidative Stress / drug effects*
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Pyrroles / pharmacology
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Reactive Oxygen Species / metabolism
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Simvastatin / pharmacology
Substances
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Antineoplastic Agents
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Antioxidants
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Fatty Acids, Monounsaturated
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Heptanoic Acids
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Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors
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Indoles
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Pyrroles
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Reactive Oxygen Species
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Fluvastatin
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Atorvastatin
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Simvastatin
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Acetylcysteine