Publication:

Effect of vitamin D on atorvastatin induced blood sugar changes in Wistar albino rats

Background Statins are hypocholestrolemic agents used in atherosclerotic vascular disorders. They act by inhibiting hepatic hypoxanthine methyl glutaryl CoA reductase enzyme. They are reported to cause hyperglycemia as an important adverse event. This study was conducted to investigate atorvastatin induced blood sugar changes in Wistar, albino, male rats and the influence of vitamin D on the blood sugar changes.

Methods Forty, 12 weeks old male, Wistar albino rats, were selected and randomly allocated to 5 groups of 8 animals, each. Animals in Group 1 were administered normal saline orally and served as controls. Group 2 and 3 received atorvastatin 2 mg and 4 mg, respectively, orally. Group 4 and 5 received 200 IU of vitamin D along with 2 mg and 4 mg of atorvastatin respectively, orally. The drugs were administered once, every day for 3 months. Body weight and fasting blood sugar were estimated at baseline and at the end of every month for 3 months.

Results In control animals (Group 1) and animals treated with atorvastatin along with vitamin D (Group 4 and 5), fasting blood sugar levels did not change significantly and the body weight increased. In animals treated with only atorvastatin (Group 2 and 3), fasting blood sugar was significantly increased and body weight did not change.

Conclusions This study has demonstrated that chronic use of atorvastatin 2 and 4 mg may lead to fasting hyperglycemia and it could be prevented by co-administration of 200 IU of vitamin D, in male Wistar albino rats. Randomized control studies in humans are further required to recommend routine use of vitamin D in patients receiving atorvastatin.