The Comparison Between the Effect of Atorvastatin and Nanoparticle Atorvastatin on Rat Liver

Abstract

Objective: Statins are one of the most effective drugs for reducing cholesterol and triglyceride levels, which main activity includes inhibiting 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-CoA (HMG-CoA) reductase that is involved in cholesterol synthesis. However, statins are associated with several side effects; the most commonly reported ones are those related to the liver. This study was conducted to compare the impact of two formulas of Atorvastatin: Atorvastatin calcium (ATV), and Nanoparticles of Atorvastatin (NATV) on the liver. Methods: thirty Albino rats were randomly divided into three groups; control group (n=10) (standard diet), Atorvastatin group (ATV) 40 mgkg group, and Nanoparticle Atorvastatin group (NATV) 40 mgkg. After 30 days, all rat groups were sacrificed. Results: In comparison with the control group, the ATV and NATV groups had a significant increase in the activities of liver enzymes alkaline phosphatase (ALP), aspartate transaminase (AST), and alanine transaminase (ALT) (p< 0.05). Compared with the ATV group, the NATV group had a significant increase in the activities of liver enzymes alkaline phosphatase (ALP), aspartate transaminase (AST), and alanine transaminase (ALT) (p< 0.05). Furthermore, the NATV group significantly reduced LDL, VLDL, TC, and TG compared to the control and ATV groups (p< 0.05). The histopathological examination showed hepatocyte necrosis and sinusoidal vessel congestion, which was more significant in the NATS group than in the ATV group. Conclusion: NATV can cause a significant increase in the level of liver enzymes and has a more histopathological effect on the liver than ATV.