EFFECTS OF HIGHER DOSES OF ATORVASTATIN ON THE LIVER, RENAL AND CARDIAC FUNCTIONS IN FEMALE ALBINO WISTAR RATS

Aim: This study was designed to assess the effect of atorvastatin on liver, renal and cardiac functions in female albino wistar rats.

Study Design: Twenty-four (24) female albino wistar rats weighing 125 to 150 g were used for this experiment. They were separated into four groups and administered different concentrations (0, 40, 80 and 120 mg/ml) of atorvastatin daily for 21 days. At the expiration of the treatment, serum samples were analyzed for levels serum liver enzymes (AST, ALT and ALP), urea, uric acid, electrolytes and creatine kinase (CK-MB).

Results: The result of liver function showed a higher level of serum alanine amino transferase (ALT), aspartate amino transferase (AST) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) in treated groups compared to the control. The levels of creatine kinase (CK-MB) were significantly (p<0.05) higher in treated groups III and IV compared to the control. For the electrolytes, serum sodium and potassium levels were non-significantly (p>0.05) higher in all the treated groups compared to the control. Serum chloride levels were significantly (p<0.05) higher in treated groups III and IV compared to the control. Treated groups II and III showed significant increase (p<0.05) in iCa levels compared to the control. Significant (p<0.05) increase was observed in the levels of urea and uric acid in the treated groups III and IV compared to the control.

Conclusion: Within the period of 21 days of statin treatment, there was an increase in the serum levels of liver enzymes and creatine kinase (CK-MB). Care has to be taken to monitor damage to the liver and heart muscle since atorvastatin can cause a rise in the level of CK-MB. The significant increase observed in the levels of urea and uric acid in the test groups III and IV compared to the control shows a decline in renal function induced by higher dose of the drug (atorvastatin).