Effect of Simvastatin on Cisplatin-induced Nephrotoxicity in Male Rats

Statins have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects that are not directly related to their cholesterol-lowering activity. this study aimed to investigate the effect of simvastatin on the extent of tissue damage in cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity. simvastatin was orally given to rats in different doses (1, 2 and 4 mg/kg), 1 h prior to cisplatin injection (5 mg/kg, i.p.). all animals were decapitated 5 days after cisplatin administration. blood urea nitrogen, creatinine, k and na levels were measured. the kidney samples used for the measurement of malondialdehyde and glutathione levels or were processed for histopathological studies. simvastatin at 1 mg/kg caused a significant decrease in serum na and a significant increase in serum k. simvastatin at 2 mg/kg significantly increased serum na, and at 4 mg/kg significantly prevented decrease of gsh levels by cisplatin and significantly decreased serum na levels. the morphological changes induced by cisplatin treatment were prevented only by 4 mg/kg dose of simvastatin. thus, simvastatin at 4 mg/kg dose is beneficial in cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity in rats via prevention of lipid peroxidation, inflammation and endothelial function impairment.