Histopathological, Ultrastructural and Morphometric Studies on the Effect of Atorvastatin on Rat Kidney.

Document Type : Original Article

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Abstract

Atorvastatin reduces the levels of "bad" cholesterol (LDL) and triglycerides in the blood, while increasing levels of "good" cholesterol (HDL). Accordingly, the aim of the present study was to determine the potential toxicity of the therapeutic doses of atorvastatin in male albino rats. A total of fifteen adult male albino rats were divided randomly into three groups.
The control group (group 1) did not receive any medication, while group II received atorvastatin (10 mg/kg/day for four weeks). Group III received atorvastatin (10 mg/kg/day for four weeks) then left for one month after the last dose for recovery from the drug. Kidney biopsies were taken from each rat for histopathological and ultrastructural examinations. In comparison with respective control rats, the results showed slight effects of atorvastatin on the kidney of rats, which was in the form of vacuolization, degeneration and cloudy swelling of epithelial cells in the tubules with the formation of cell debris inside the lumen of proximal convoluted tubules and diminish in urinary space of glomeruli.
These effects were partially irreversible in recovery group. Accordingly, it is highly recommended that patients who suffer from hypercholesterolemia may be advised to feed on hypocholestrolaemic food regime before prescribing statins. If patient need to prescribe a hypocholestrolaemic drugs, statin should be taken in short repeated duration with at least one month between each period to avoid side effects and make a follow up every month for laboratory measurement of kidney functions.

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