Expression of HMG-Coareductase in Breast Carcinoma and its Association with Estrogen Receptor and Progesterone Receptor Status

Abstract

Statins are the drugs that target 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A reductase (HMGCoAR). Several studies have reported the anti-tumoral properties of statins by exhibiting anti-proliferative properties in HMG-CoAR positive breast carcinomas. Increased efficacy has also been observed when these were used as combination therapy along with tamoxifen in estrogen receptor (ER) and HMG-COAR positive breast carcinomas. However, in our local population, expression of HMG-COAR is not investigated. The objective of our study was to examine the expression of HMG-CoAR in primary breast carcinomas and determine its association with ER/PR expression. Material & Methods: Cross-sectional analytical study was conducted to examine the immunohistochemical expression of HMG-CoAR in 75 cases of breast carcinoma. Study was carried out in postgraduate medical institute, Lahore. The frequency and percentage were calculated for histological grade of the tumor and expression of HMG-CoAR, ER and PR. Fischer exact test was applied to determine the association between HMG-CoAR and ER/PR expression. Results: HMG CoAR, ER and PR were found positive in 69 (92%), 50 (66.67%) and 38 (50.67%) cases, respectively. HMG CoAR expression showed significant association with ER (p=0.003) as well as with PR (p= 0.014). Conclusion: Through results of our study, it is concluded that there is positive association between HMG CoAR and ER/PR statuses. Clinical trials are needed to establish the predictive role of HMG-CoAR expression as a target for statin therapy in breast carcinoma.