Effect of atorvastatin on the liver enzymes, electrolytes and histology of organs in male albino Wistar rats

Statins (atorvastatin) are well known for their lipid lowering potentials and reduction of cardiovascular events in patients. The study evaluated the effect of atorvastatin on the electrolytes (Na+, K+, Cl- and Ca2+) liver enzymes (aspartate aminotransferase; AST, alanine aminotransferase; ALT, alkaline phosphatase; ALP) and the histology of some organs( heart, kidney and liver) in a dose dependent manner. Twenty-four male rats weighing between 150-180 g were divided into four groups of six (6) rats in each group. Group one which was the control was given distilled water as placebo. Groups two, three and four were given 40 mg/kg, 80 mg/kg and 120 mg/kg per body weight respectively of atorvastatin orally for 21 days. The animals were humanely sacrificed 24 h post administration. Blood samples were collected by cardiac puncture into plain sterile tubes. They were centrifuged to obtain the serum which was further used for analysis. The organs were collected and fixed in formalin for histological analysis. The results indicated that there was a significant increase (P < 0.01) for AST in groups II, III and IV, ALT also showed a significant increase (P < 0.01) in groups III and IV. There was also a significant increase (P < 0.05) for K+ in groups III and IV. Histological analysis also revealed that tissues of the liver showed vacuolation and vascular congestion as they were affected by the drug. In conclusion, the biochemical report was corroborated with results of histological evaluation. Higher dosage of atorvastatin is hepatotoxic as evidenced in the increase in the activities of ALT, AST, and the degeneration in the liver cells. Taking atorvastatin with caution is recommended and a lower dose at a longer time is preferable