Improve markers of oxidative stress and coagulation parameters in response to atorvastatin therapy

Aims: This study was undertaken to investigate the antioxidant effects of atorvastatin in treating cases of atherosclerosis associated with hyperlipidemia.

Methodology: Forty local domestic rabbits were assigned to five groups (eight rabbits in each group): After two weeks acclimatization period, a group of 8 rabbits (Group I) were used as the baseline values of the study parameters. Another 8 rabbits were selected and maintained on standard chow diet (4% fat, 18% protein, 60% carbohydrate, and 4% fibers) throughout the experiment (12 weeks) and served as a normal diet control (Group II). The rest 24 rabbits were fed on an atherogenic diet for 8 weeks to induce atherogenesis. At the end of 8th week, a group of 8 atherogenic rabbits (Group III) were separated and sacrificed and served as an atherogenic-baseline group. The remaining 16 atherogenic rabbits were randomly allocated into two groups; first group received atherogenic diet only for the next four weeks and served as an atherogenic control (Group IV). The other group received atorvastatin (Group V).

Results: Blood samples were collected for serum lipids, coagulation parameters and oxidation parameters. Results showed a significant improvement in the coagulation parameters and oxidation parameters in the atorvastatin treated group compared to the atherogenic control group (P = .01).

Conclusion: This study illustrated the beneficial anti-oxidant effects of atorvastatin in treating atherosclerosis associated with hyperlipidemia.