Niacin Ameliorates Lipid Disturbances due to Glucocorticoid Administration in Rats

Objective(s) This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of niacin on glucocorticoid-induced dyslipidemia and fatty liver in rats. Materials and Methods Twenty four adult male rats were divided randomly into four equal groups: ۱- normal saline (control), ۲- dexamathasone ۰.۱۲۵ mg/kg/day, i.m., ۳- dexamathasone + niacin ۲۰۰ mg/kg/day, oral gavages, ۴- niacin. After ۲ weeks, serum total cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL-c, LDL-c and VLDL-c concentrations were assayed and liver sections examined for fatty liver changes. Data were analyzed by ANOVA method and         P< ۰.۰۵ was considered significant. Results Dexamethasone increased all lipid parameters as compared to control (P< ۰.۰۵). Lipid parameters in group ۳, were lower than group ۲ (P< ۰.۰۵) except for HDL-c which remained statistically the same. Moderate fatty liver changes were observed in one third of rats in dexamethasone group. Rats in groups ۱, ۳ and ۴ had no sign of fatty changes. Conclusion Niacin positively affects glucocorticoid-induced dyslipidemia and fatty liver changes in rats.

Keywords:

Dyslipidemia , Fatty liver , Glucocorticoids , Niacin , Rats