The Comparison Between the Effect of Atorvastatin and Nanoparticle Atorvastatin on Rat Liver

Statins are one of the most effective drugs for reducing cholesterol and triglyceride levels, which main activity includes inhibiting 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-CoA (HMG-CoA) reductase that is involved in cholesterol synthesis. However, statins are associated with several side effects; the most commonly reported ones are those related to the liver. This study was conducted to compare the impact of two formulas of Atorvastatin: Atorvastatin calcium (ATV), and Nanoparticles of Atorvastatin (NATV) on the liver. Thirty Albino rats were randomly divided into three groups; control group (n=10) (standard diet), Atorvastatin group (ATV) 40 mgkg group, and Nanoparticle Atorvastatin group (NATV) 40 mgkg. After 30 days, all rat groups were sacrificed. In comparison with the control group, the ATV and NATV groups had a significant increase in the activities of liver enzymes alkaline phosphatase (ALP), aspartate transaminase (AST), and alanine transaminase (ALT) (p< 0.05). Compared with the ATV group, the NATV group had a significant increase in the activities of liver enzymes alkaline phosphatase (ALP), aspartate transaminase (AST), and alanine transaminase (ALT) (p< 0.05). Furthermore, the NATV group significantly reduced LDL, VLDL, TC, and TG compared to the control and ATV groups (p< 0.05). The histopathological examination showed hepatocyte necrosis and sinusoidal vessel congestion, which was more significant in the NATS group than in the ATV group. NATV can cause a significant increase in the level of liver enzymes and has a more histopathological effect on the liver than ATV.