Effects of rosuvastatin on serum glucose and insulin in hyperuricemic rats

Background Hyperuricemia is a state in which the serum levels of uric acid (UA) are elevated. This study was to determine the roles of rosuvastatin in fasting blood glucose (FGB) and insulin levels in hyperuricemic rats. Methods Thirty-six Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomized divided into the control, model and rosuvastatin groups: the control was given no intervention, the model group was established by administrating yeast extract powder and oxonic acid potassium salt, and the rosuvastatin group was given intravenous administration of rosuvastatin for 28 days in hyperuricemic rats. Serum uric acid (SUA), fasting blood glucose (FBG), fasting blood insulin (FBI), glutamic acid decarboxylase antibody (GADA), oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) levels, and the ultrastructure of pancreatic beta-cells were measured. Also, homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) scores was computed in three groups. Results Compared to the model group, SUA were decreased, while the FBG, GADA, OGTT and HOMA-IR at week 4 were significantly increased in rosuvastatin group. However, FBI was not significantly changed between three groups. It was also showed that the structure of pancreatic beta-cells was damaged and the number of beta-cells was changed in hyperuricemic rats while they were aggravated in rosuvastatin group. Conclusion Rosuvastatin has roles in inducing FGB, GADA, OGTT and pancreatic beta-cells damage in hyperuricemic rats.