Effects of different doses of simvastatin on lead-induced kidney damage in Balb/c male mice

Lead is known to be a highly toxic heavy metal. There are a limited number of studies investigating the effects of antioxidants on lead-induced kidney damage. Statins are widely used drugs for the treatment of hypercholesterolaemia, but they also have other pleiotropic effects. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of different doses of simvastatin on biochemical and histopathological parameters in mice exposed to lead. Forty eight adult male mice were randomised into six groups. The control group received no lead. Group II was injected interaperitoneally with 60 mg/kg lead acetate and groups III-VI received intraperitoneally 5-10-20-40 mg/kg simvastatin plus 60 mg/kg lead. After 14 days, a stereological study was done in accordance with the principle of Cavalieri and serum concentrations of urea and creatinine were measured. Data were analyzed using SPSS software and ANOVA. Lead acetate treatment caused collapse of glomeruli, glumerulosclerosis, necrosis and vacuolization in renal tubules. Administration of 20 mg of simvastatin reduced the severity of kidney damage. Glomerular volume in the groups treated with 40 mg of simvastatin was significantly different from the group treated with lead alone (P =0.001). The number of renal glomeruli in the group treated with 5 mg of simvastatin were significantly difference compared to the lead treated group (P =0.027). Serum concentrations of urea and creatinine were not significantly different in the groups treated with simvastatin compared to the group treated with lead alone. Treatments with simvastatin Caused protective effects on renal tissue of mice exposed to lead. However, there was no significant effect on urea and creatinine levels.