EFFECT OF ATORVASTATIN (LIPITOR) ON SERUM LIPID PROFILE, PROGESTERONE AND C-REACTIVE PROTEIN IN FEMALE ALBINO (WISTAR) RATS

Aim: Atorvastatin is widely prescribed for the primary and secondary prevention of cardiovascular disease and events because of its ability to lower blood cholesterol level. This study was carried out to assess the effects of different doses of atorvastatin on lipid profile, progesterone and C-reactive protein in female albino wistar rats.

Study Design: Twenty-four female albino wistar rats weighing 125 to 150 g were used for this study. They were separated into four groups of 6 rats each and administered different concentrations (placebo, 40, 80 and 120 mg/kg b.w. of atorvastatin daily for 21 days. At the expiration of the treatment, serum samples were analyzed for the effects of the drugs on the serum lipid profile, progesterone and C-reactive protein of the animals.

Results: The results obtained from this study showed that in all the treated groups (groups 2, 3 and 4) there was an overall dose-dependent reduction in the levels of total-cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, VLDL-cholesterol and triglycerides compared to the control. A dose-dependent rise in HDL levels was observed in all the treatment groups compared to the control. Progesterone levels decreased non-significantly (p>0.05) in all the treated groups compared to the control. CRP levels decreased significantly (p<0.05) in treated groups 2 and 4 compared to the control.

Conclusion: Atorvastatin treatment improved cardiovascular health by lowering serum CRP and LDL- cholesterol levels, and increasing HDL-cholesterol level. It also decreased serum progesterone level.