Abstract:
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a public health problem worldwide and in Jordan. Statins
are cholesterol lowering agents. Beyond their effects, statins use has been reported
to reduced risk of several malignances, including CRC. This study aimed to assess the
effect of statins on CRC by studying cellular infiltration of Regulatory T Lymphocytes
(Tregs) into CRC tissues and their effect on Transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-?1)
level and on angiogenesis. Fourty seven specimens (25 statins users vs. 22 non-users)
were used. Immunohistochemistry was performed to study Tregs infiltration using their
marker, fork head transcription factor, and angiogenesis using CD31 as a marker. TGF-?1
levels were measured using ELISA. Results revealed that statins use was associated
with more Tregs infiltration, less angiogenesis but no difference in TGF-?1 content
in tumor tissue. When results were further stratified according to stage of disease,
more Tregs infiltration was significantly noticed in advanced disease but not in early
disease. In addition, more angiogenesis inhibition was noticed in early disease but not
in advanced disease. Same stage-dependence wasn?t noticed with TGF-?1 expression.
In early disease, reduction of angiogenesis mediated by statins might lead to reduction
of tumor aggressiveness. On the other hand, Tregs infiltration into tumor mediated by
statins might reduce cancer aggressiveness in advanced disease. These results suggest
that statins might be used in the treatment of CRC.