Lovastatin is a statin prodrug commonly used to combat hypercholesterolemia. Lovastatin inhibits HMG-CoA reductase, a significant enzyme involved in the cholesterol synthesis pathway. Lovastatin is insoluble in aqueous solution.
| Mechanism of Action | Lovastatin is an inhibitor of 3-hydroxy-3methylglutaryl-coenzyme A reductase (HMG-CoA reductase), an enzyme that catalyzes the conversion of HMG-CoA to mevalonate |
| Cancer Applications | Research has shown that statin drugs including lovastatin have been able to inhibit melanoma cell growth when high concentrations are used. |
| References | Eustace, A. J., and et al. "The 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A Reductase Inhibitors, Simvastatin, Lovastatin and Mevastatin Inhibit Proliferation and Invasion of Melanoma Cells." BMC Cancer 8.9 (2008): www.ncbi.gov. 16 Jan. 2008. Web. 31 Aug. 2012. |