The Effect of Simvastatin on Uterine Leiomyoma Development and Growth in Infertile Women

Uterine leiomyomas with an estimated incidence of 50%-80% are the most common tumors of female reproductive system. Statins as a HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors inhibit the mevalonate pathway of cholesterol synthesis, thus have been known as a group of drugs used for treatment of hypercholesterolemia. Statins inhibit proliferation of several cell types including vascular smooth muscle, hepatocytes and other cell types. Leiomyomas are benign uterine tumors characterized by smooth muscle proliferation and excessive deposition of extracellular matrix. In the present study we aim to evaluate the effect of simvastatin on uterine leiomyoma development and growth.