Efflux pump (EP)-mediated multidrug resistance (MDR) seems ubiquitous in bacterial
infections and neoplastic diseases. The diversity and lack of specificity of these
efflux mechanisms raise a great obstacle in developing drugs that modulate efflux
pumps. Since developing novel chemotherapeutic drugs requires large investments, drug
repurposing offers a new approach that can provide alternatives as adjuvants in treating
resistant microbial infections and progressive cancerous diseases. Hydroxy-methyl-glutaryl
coenzyme-A (HMG-CoA) reductase inhibitors, also known as statins, are promising agents
in this respect. Originally, statins were used in the therapy of dyslipidemia and
for the prevention of cardiovascular diseases; however, extensive research has recently
been performed to elucidate the functions of statins in bacterial infections and cancers.
The mevalonate pathway is essential in the posttranslational modification of proteins
related to vital eukaryotic cell functions. In this article, a comparative review
is given about the possible role of HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors in managing diseases
of bacterial and neoplastic origin. Molecular research and clinical studies have proven
the justification of statins in this field. Further well-designed clinical trials
are urged to clarify the significance of the contribution of statins to the lower
risk of disease progression in bacterial infections and cancerous diseases.
