The Effect of Atorvastatin on Oxidative Stress and Renal Function in Experimental Model of Diabetic Nephropathy

Background and Objectives: Atorvastatin has multiple effects independent of lipid lowering, such as anti-inflammatory and antioxidant. The present study was performed with the purpose of determining the effect of atorvastatin on renal function and oxidative stress response in experimental model of diabetic nephropathy. Methods: In an experimental study, male Wistar rats were randomly divided into four groups (N=24): normal, normal treatment, diabetic, diabetic treatment. The rats were made diabetic by an intravenous injection of streptozotocin (40mg/kg) and the treated rats received atorvastatin for 8 weeks (at dose of 40mg/kg/day). At the end of the experiment, blood samples were collected to measure glucose and creatinine levels. The concentration of malondialdehyde (MDA) and the activity of renal catalase were assessed. Results: Chronic uncontrolled hyperglycemia (blood glucose>500mg/dl) significantly increased the blood creatinine in diabetic group (1.70±0.30mg/dl) compared to normal animals (0.40±0.07mg/dl), (p