Atorvastatin exhibits anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties in adjuvant-induced monoarthritis

Abstract

Arthritis is a joint disorder where the joint damage is associated with elevated levels of inflammatory mediators and reactive oxygen species (ROS). The inflammatory hyperalgesia associated with arthritis has been shown to be attenuated by anti-hyperlipidemic drug, atorvastatin. The present study was carried out to evaluate the effect of atorvastatin on joint inflammation and associated oxidative stress markers in a rat model where arthritis was induced by intra-articular injection of 0.1 ml of 0.1% Freund's Complete Adjuvant (FCA). Atorvastatin (10 mg and 50 mg/kg) and diclofenac (5 mg/kg) were administered orally, daily during the study period of 4 days and their effect on joint inflammation was evaluated by measuring joint diameter, levels of glutathione (GSH), thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), activity of super oxide dismutase (SOD) and tissue histology. Atorvastatin produced a dose-dependent reduction in joint inflammation that was associated with normalization of levels of oxidative stress markers and tissue histology and its effect was found to be comparable to that of diclofenac.

Antinociception and Anti-Inflammation Induced by Simvastatin in Algesiometric Assays in Mice

“…The inhibition of prostaglandin E 2 (PGE 2 ) suggests a direct antinociceptive action of simvastatin on nociceptors in peripheral sites similar to that of diclofenac, metamizol or morphine [22]. Supporting this assumption, other studies reported an anti‐inflammatory effect for atorvastatin, comparable to that of diclofenac [23,24]. Furthermore, another explanation for the findings of this work could be the up‐regulation of iNOS expression induced by statins through inhibition of small G protein of the Rho family [25].…”

Study of Atorvastatin in experimental allergic airway inflammation in mice

“…In this study, the OVA-challenged animals demonstrated high cellular infiltrate in their bronchial trees, an effect that was significantly reduced by early Atorvastatin treatment. This effect may be related to the anti-inflammatory or the anti-oxidant properties of Atorvastatin previously shown [21,22].…”

The reno-protective effects of atorvastatin in crush syndrome and rhabdomyolysis:is there a dilemma?

“…However, the antioxidant and antiinflammatory properties of statins have been known for years. A dose-dependent reduction and normalization of oxidative stress marker levels in joint inflammation has been reported after atorvastatin administration (5). In a recent meta-analysis of 8 randomized trials, the use of short-term statins was associated with a reduction in the incidence of contrast-induced nephropathy, and was recommended even in patients with low LDLcholesterol levels (6).…”