Statin use and the risk of hepatocellular carcinoma in patients at high risk: a nationwide nested case-control study

Statins, 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase inhibitors, are used to lower blood cholesterol levels and to prevent cardiovascular disease and related mortality [1]. Statin use has been suggested to have a beneficial effect on multiple cancer types, including colon cancer, breast cancer, and prostate cancer [2,3]. Inhibition of HMG-CoA reductase by statin in the rate limiting step in cholesterol synthesis controls the production of mevalonate and downstream metabolites that were recently identified to be involved in growth and apoptosis in many cancer types [4].
Source: Journal of Hepatology - Category: Gastroenterology Authors: Source Type: research