Protective effects of atorvastatin on D-galactose-induced renal and hepatic toxicity in mice: an experimental study with histopathological evaluations

Background: Atorvastatin (Ator) is a lipid lowering drug with potent antioxidant and antiinflammatory properties. The present study was designed to investigate the effect ofatorvastatin (Ator) on D-galactose (GAL)-induced renal and hepatic toxicity in mice. Objectives: Atorvastatin and D-galactose-induced hepatorenal toxicity Materials/Patients and Methods: In this experimental study, 40 mice were divided into 4 groups: normal, GAL (500 mg/kg/p.o.), Ator 0.1 (0.1 mg/kg/p.o.)+GAL, Ator 1 (1 mg/kg/p.o.)+GAL. Ator and GAL were administered for 6 weeks simultaneously. Then on day 43, blood samples were collected to determine serum creatinine (Cr), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels. The kidneys and livers samples were used for histological examination Results: Results showed that GAL administration significantly increases serum Cr, BUN, ALT and AST. Co-administration of Ator 0.1 and 1 mg/kg with GAL for 6 weeks (more potently at dose 1 mg/kg) attenuated these changes. Histological changes in kidney such as leukocyte infiltration, edema and necrosis were observed in GAL group. Moreover, inflammatory cell infiltration, fat deposit and pyknosis were observed in the livers of GALtreated mice. Co-administration of Ator 0.1 and 1 mg/kg with GAL for 6 weeks (more potently at dose 1 mg/kg) could attenuate the histological lesions in kidneys and livers of GAL-treated mice. Conclusion: Our results indicated that Ator may have beneficial effects on hepatorenal toxicity induced by GAL.

Keywords:

D-galactose , Kidney , Liver , Atorvastatin