Histophysiological Effect of Rosuvastatin on the Kidney in Male Albino Rats

Abstract

The objective of the current study was to evaluate the physiological and histopathological effects of rosuvastatin in male albino rats. Thirty-two adult albino rats were used in the study. After acclimatization, the rats were randomly divided into four groups (8 rats in each group) as follows: The first control group was given normal saline solution, the second group 10 mg/kg rosuvastatin, the third group was given 20 mg/kg rosuvastatin, while the fourth group was given 40 mg/kg rosuvastatin. The dose was continued for 60 days in a once-daily dosing regimen. After the end of the experiment, chemical analyses were performed for kidney function, including cystatin C and vitamin D 3 . Then, the rats were dissected, and kidney tissues were taken for histological study. Male rats treated with rosuvastatin showed an elevated cystatin C level and increased vitamin D 3 . At the same time, the results of the microscopic examination showed significant histopathological changes in the kidneys of the groups treated with rosuvastatin compared to the control group, which included mild, moderate, and severe injuries: necrosis, congestion, hemorrhage, glomerular degeneration, fatty changes, cysts and vacuoles in the renal tubule cells and lymphocytic infiltration in the kidney tissue with gradual increase in rosuvastatin concentrations 10, 20 and 40 mg/kg, respectively. Conclusion: It was concluded in the current study that the use of rosuvastatin in high doses causes nephrotoxicity.