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Exp Clin Endocrinol Diabetes 2003; 111(1): 47-48
DOI: 10.1055/s-2003-37501
Short Communication

J. A. Barth Verlag in Georg Thieme Verlag Stuttgart · New York

Statins Can Inhibit Proliferation of Human Breast Cancer Cells in Vitro

H. Seeger 1 , D. Wallwiener 1 , A. O. Mueck 1
  • 1Section of Gynecological Endocrinology and Menopause, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Tuebingen, Germany
Further Information

Publication History

Received: May 6, 2002 First decision: June 7, 2002

Accepted: July 17, 2002

Publication Date:
26 February 2003 (online)

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Abstract

The effect of five statins, i.e. atorvastatin, fluvastatin, lovastatin, pravastatin and simvastatin was investigated on the proliferation of the human breast cancer cell line MCF-7. All statins except of pravastatin were able to inhibit cell proliferation up to 90 % at a concentration of 50 µM. Between the effective statins no significant difference was observed indicating a class-specific effect. These data suggest that statins may have clinical significance in the primary prevention of human breast cancer beyond their cholesterol-lowering effect. However, clinical proof must be awaited before drawing any further conclusions.

Key words

Statins - Cell proliferation - Human breast cancer cells

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MD, PhD, PH, Head of Section of Gynecological Endocrinology and Menopause A. O. Mueck

Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology

Calwerstraße 7

72076 Tuebingen

Germany

Fax: +49/7071294801

Email: endo.meno@med.uni-tuebingen.de