Abstract
Statins have been widely used in the treatment of hypercholesterolemia and atherosclerotic disease. Atherosclerosis is an ongoing inflammatory response which is involved in mediating all stages of this multifactorial disease. The present study focuses on the long term effect of atorvastatin on the anti-atherogenic and anti-inflammatory properties with reference to para-oxonase and C-reactive protein levels in rats. Thirty six Wistar albino rats obtained from the central animal house were divided into 6 groups with 6 rats in each group. Group I and IV served as the control for male and female rats respectively. Group II and V comprised of male and female rats that received low dose of atorvastatin (10 mg/kg body weight). Group III and VI comprised of male and female rats that received high dose of atorvastatin (40 mg/kg body weight) for period of 45 days. Blood was collected by cardiac puncture. The plasma was analysed for total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, C-reactive protein (CRP) and Paraoxonase-1, both basal Paraoxonase (BPON) & Salt stimulated Paraoxonase (SPON) by standard procedures. Results of the present study showed a reduction in TC and increase in HDL-C in both groups of rats receiving low and high dose of Atorvastatin. Both male and female rats responded similarly. The levels of CRP decreased in the male rats receiving either low or high dose of atorvastatin. Activity of SPON and BPON was increased only in the group receiving high dose of atorvastatin in both male and female rats.