Dietary factors and the regulation of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase: implications for breast cancer and development

A role for mevalonate in cancer development has long been suggested by findings that 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase activity is elevated in malignant cells. Increased synthesis mevalonate and mevalonate-derived nonsterol isoprenoids supports increased cell proliferation through the activation of growth-regulatory proteins and oncoproteins, and by promoting DNA synthesis. We have recently shown that mevalonate promotes the growth of human breast cancer cells both in culture and as tumors grown in nude mice. Inhibition mevalonate synthesis, therefore, may be an effective strategy to impair the growth of malignant breast cells. Several dietary compounds with known anti-cancer effects are also reported to inhibit HMG-CoA reductase activity. Here, we review evidence suggesting that inhibition of mevalonate synthesis may mediate the protective effects of cholesterol, plant isoprenoids, genistein, and long-chain n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) on experimental breast cancer.