The Effect of Combined Atorvastatin and Zinc on Liver Damage in Streptozotocin Induced Diabetic Rats

Diabetes is a metabolic disorder associated with the liver which functions as an insulin-dependent organ. To evaluate the effects of combined atorvastatin and zinc on liver dysfunction and hepatic injuries in the conditions of hyperglycemia. Fifty female Wistar rats in five groups, 10 in each: one control group (group NC) and four diabetic groups [diabetic control (group DC), treatment with atorvastatin 20mg/kg (group DA), treatment with zinc oxid 30mg/kg (group DZ) and treatment with combination in half doses of both (group DZA)] were used in this study. Diabetes was induced by the injection of 60 mg/kg STZ IP. One month after treatment (orally), animals were euthanized and the levels of functional liver markers: liver enzymes (ALT, AST, ALP), bilirubin, albumin and total protein were assessed in the serum. For pathology of liver tissue, sections with hematoxylin and eosin staining, histopathological sections according to standard method, were prepared. At the end, the data Statistical analysis was performed using ANOVA and Tukey test. In diabetic rats, serum levels of functional liver markers and bilirubin were significantly increased and albumin, total protein were decreased, as compared to control normal group, and treatment of diabetic rats with half doses of atorvastatin and zinc in combination had synergistic benefits causing decreased levels of serum biomarkers of hepathic injury and increased levels of albumin and total protein of the rats more favorable than treatment with full doses of either drug alone(p<0/05). Histopathological findings were in consistent with biochemical results. Findings suggest that combined atorvastatin and zinc have synergistic benefits in controlling the damage and liver dysfunction caused by inflammation and oxidative stress in diabetic rats.
Conflict of interest: non declared