Is Atorvastatin Diabetogenic in Dogs or Not?

Objectives: Atorvastatin is a member of the drug class known as (3-Hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase inhibitors) statins which are used primarily for lowering blood cholesterol and for prevention of events associated with cardiovascular disease. These drugs have a good safety record, but increased risk of developing diabetes during extended use, so the present study was designed to investigate the diabetogenic effect of long term usage of atorvastatin in German Shepherd dogs.Material and Methods: This study was performed on 5 adult vaccinated German Shepherd dogs during a 18 months period. Dogs were provided from the Animal Laboratory of Kerman University of Medical Science, Kerman, Iran. The animals were supplied with pellet food and tap water ad libitum. 5 cc Blood sample and 5 cc urine sample were taken at day 0. Then the animals were received 80 mg/case atorvastatin daily for 18 months. Blood and urine samples were taken each month and the levels of biomarkers were measured.Result: On day 0, fasting blood sugar (FBS) and hemoglobin evancy were normal. During 18 month FBS was not increased significantly (P 0.2), although in some cases FBS was the maximum borderline from the sixth month onwards. Hemoglobin evancy was increased significantly (P 0.002). None of the animals had no Glycosuria.Conclusion: Statin drugs are employed in contemporary approaches for primary and secondary prevention of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. The use of statins to modulate levels of cholesterol has led to remarkable reduction in cardiovascular endpoints at the relatively small but potential risk of new-onset diabetes.,