Effects of Rosuvastatin on the Histopathological and Inflammatory Markers of Hyperlipidemic Rat Kidneys

Background: Hyperlipidemia is a significant cause of cardiovascular disease and global death by inducing endothelial dysfunction and narrowing blood vessels. The kidney is the first organ damaged by hyperlipidemia that distracts endothelial capillaries and increases glomerulosclerosis due to decreased renal blood flow. Rosuvastatin has an anti-hyperlipidemic effect and also improves endothelial function and reduces inflammation and oxidative stress. Objectives: The present study aimed to investigate the impact of rosuvastatin on histopathological and inflammatory marker changes induced by hyperlipidemia in male rats. Methods: Forty-six normal male rats were randomly divided into three main groups: the control negative group, ten rats that received a standard diet and water. In the hyperlipidemic group, eighteen rats were fed a high cholesterol (atherogenic) diet (79% standard diet and 21% ghee fat) for seven weeks. The treatment group includes eighteen rats that received a high cholesterol (atherogenic) diet (79% standard diet and 21% ghee fat) for seven weeks and were then treated with rosuvastatin 10 mg/kg/day orally by gastric gavage for 4 weeks. Results: Rosuvastatin significantly decreased the proinflammatory markers (Interleukin-1, Interleukin-6, Tumor Necrosis Factor, and Cystatin C) and the pathological changes in the kidneys (p<0.005) compared with the hyperlipidemic group, while they were significantly increased in the hyperlipidemic group compared to the control group (p<0.005). However, rosuvastatin or hyperlipidemia did not significantly affect the body and the testicular weight. Conclusions: Rosuvastatin modulates the histopathological changes and decreases the proinflammatory cytokine levels in hyperlipidemic male rats.