The Effect of Atorvastatin on Oxidative Stress and Renal Function in Experimental Model of Diabetic Nephropathy

Background and Objectives: Atorvastatin has multiple effects independent of lipid lowering, such as anti-inflammatory and antioxidant. The present study was performed with the purpose of determining the effect of atorvastatin on renal function and oxidative stress response in experimental model of diabetic nephropathy. &nbsp; Methods: In an experimental study, male Wistar rats were randomly divided into four groups (N=24): normal, normal treatment, diabetic, diabetic treatment. The rats were made diabetic by an intravenous injection of streptozotocin (40mg/kg) and the treated rats received atorvastatin for 8 weeks (at dose of 40mg/kg/day). At the end of the experiment, blood samples were collected to measure glucose and creatinine levels. The concentration of malondialdehyde (MDA) and the activity of renal catalase were assessed. &nbsp; Results: Chronic uncontrolled hyperglycemia (blood glucose>500mg/dl) significantly increased the blood creatinine in diabetic group (1.70&plusmn;0.30mg/dl) compared to normal animals (0.40&plusmn;0.07mg/dl), (p<0.05). Also, hyperglycemia caused a decrease in the activity of catalase enzyme (57%) along with an increase in the MDA concentration (0.15&plusmn;0.02nmol/mg protein) compared to normal group (0.04&plusmn;0.02nmol/mg protein). Atorvastatin significantly decreased the blood creatinine of diabetic animals (0.70&plusmn;0.20mg/dl) compared to normal group (p