Assessment of the Diabetogenic Potential of Atorvastatin and the Effects of Atorvastatin on Body Weight, Haematological Indices, Serum Calcium Level in Female Albino Wistar Rats

Aim: This study was designed to assess the effects of different doses of atorvastatin on fasting blood sugar, body weight, haematological indices, serum calcium and CRP levels in female albino wistar rats.

Study Design: Twenty-four female albino wistar rats weighing 125 to 150 g were used for this experiment. They were separated into four groups of 6 rats each and administered different concentrations (0, 40, 80 and 120 mg/ml) of atorvastatin daily for 21 days. Group 1 received placebo treatment, groups 2, 3 and 4 received 40, 80 and 120 mg of atorvastatin respectively. Fasting blood sugar was routinely monitored at 3 days interval while the body weight was monitored at 7 days (weekly) interval. At the expiration of the treatment, serum samples were analyzed for effects of the drug on the levels of serum calcium of the animals. Whole blood samples were also analyzed for its effect on some hematological parameters.

Results: The results obtained showed that in all the treated groups (groups 2, 3 and 4) there was an overall decrease in C-reactive protein and haematological indices (WBCs, RBCs, platelets and hemoglobin) compared to the control. The result of the fasting blood sugar showed a non-significant and non-consistent increase in fasting blood sugar between the control and treated groups. Treated groups II and III showed significant increase (p<0.05) in iCa levels compared to the control. The values obtained for body weight did not show overall significant difference (p>0.05) in body weight among the study groups.

Conclusion: Short term exposure to atorvastatin did not produce diabetic (hyperglycaemic) side effect. The body weight of the animals did not significantly change, the haematological indices decreased, serum C-reactive protein level decreased and there was increase in serum calcium level.