Statin-induced apoptosis via the suppression of ERK1/2 and Akt activation by inhibition of the geranylgeranyl-pyrophosphate biosynthesis in glioblastoma
2011

Statins Induce Apoptosis in Glioblastoma Cells

publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Yanae Masashi, Tsubaki Masanobu, Satou Takao, Itoh Tatsuki, Imano Motohiro, Yamazoe Yuzuru, Nishida Shozo

Primary Institution: Kinki University School of Pharmacy

Hypothesis

Statins induce apoptosis in C6 glioma cells through the inhibition of geranylgeranyl-pyrophosphate biosynthesis.

Conclusion

Statins can induce apoptosis in glioblastoma cells by decreasing the levels of phosphorylated ERK1/2 and Akt.

Supporting Evidence

  • Statins inhibited cell proliferation and induced apoptosis in C6 glioma cells.
  • An increase in caspase-3 activity was observed after statin treatment.
  • Statins decreased the levels of phosphorylated ERK1/2 and Akt.

Takeaway

Statins, which are usually used to lower cholesterol, can also help kill brain cancer cells by stopping certain signals that help the cancer grow.

Methodology

The study evaluated the cytotoxicity of statins on C6 glioma cells using cell viability assays and measured caspase-3 activity through activity assay kits.

Statistical Information

P-Value

p<0.01

Statistical Significance

p<0.01

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1186/1756-9966-30-74

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