Atorvastatin attenuates D-galactose-induced hepatorenal toxicity in mice: an experimental study with histopathological evaluations

Introduction: Atorvastatin (Ator) is a lipid lowering drug with potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. The present investigation was designed to study the effect of Ator on D-galactose (GAL)-induced hepatorenal toxicity in mice. Methods: In this study, 40 mice were divided into 4 groups: normal, GAL (500 mg/kg), Ator 0.1 (0.1mg/kg)+GAL and Ator 1 (1mg/kg)+GAL. Ator and GAL were administered orally for 6 weeks simultaneously. Then on day 43, blood samples were collected to determine blood urea nitrogen (BUN), serum creatinine (sCr), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels. The kidneys and livers samples were used for histological examination. Results: Our results indicated that administration of GAL significantly increases sCr, BUN, ALT and AST. Co-administration of Ator 0.1 and 1mg/kg with GAL for 6 weeks (especially 1mg/kg) attenuated these changes. Histological changes in kidney such as infiltration of leukocyte, necrosis and oedema were observed in GAL group. Moreover, pyknosis, infiltration of inflammatory cell and fat deposit were observed in the livers of GAL-treated mice. Co-administration of Ator 0.1 and 1mg/kg with GAL for 6 weeks (especially 1mg/kg) could mitigate the histological lesions in kidneys and livers of GAL-administered animals. Conclusion: The results of this study suggested that Ator may have beneficial effects on hepatorenal toxicity induced by GAL.