On the factors modulating the effect of statins on malignant cell proliferation

HuCC, EHEB, K562, and Raji cells were incubated with 3 hydrophobic statins (atorvastatin, lovastatin, and simvastatin) and one hydrophilic statin (pravastatin). The 4 statins inhibited HuCC cell proliferation; however, none of them affected their apoptosis. EHEB and K562 cell proliferation was inhibited by the hydrophobic statins, but not by pravastatin. Raji cell proliferation was not affected by any of the 4 statins. The hydrophobic statins solely enhanced early apoptosis of the hematological cell lines. The results point out that the antiproliferative effect of statins on tumor cells and their effect on the apoptotic rate depends on their dosage, physiochemical property, and the type of the malignant cells.