Effect of atorvastatin on interleukins and prostaglandin E2 in the kidney of type 1 diabetic rats

Objective: The aim of the study was to evaluate a possible effect of atorvastatin on renal interleukins (ILs) and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) in type 1 diabetic rats. Methods: Thirty-two male rats from a local Wister-derived strain were included in this prospective study and were classified into four groups. Each group consisted of eight animals: Group 1, non-diabetic negative controls; Group 2, diabetic positive controls; Group 3, non-diabetic rats receiving atorvastatin for 4 weeks; and Group 4, diabetic rats receiving atorvastatin for 4 weeks. At the end of the designated period, the animals were sacrificed by cervical dislocation, and the kidneys were excised and homogenized to determine the level of IL-1 beta, IL-6, IL-10, and PGE2. The study duration was from June 2015 to May 2016 at Al-Ahlyya Amman University, Amman, Jordan. Results: In the kidneys of rats with streptozotocin-induced diabets, the levels of cytokines IL-1 beta, IL-6, IL-10, and PGE2 were significantly elevated above those of the control group. This clearly showed a detrimental effect of diabetes on the kidney. Treatment of diabetic rats with atorvastatin caused a decrease in all evaluated cytokines to levels near control values. Conclusion: Our data suggest that atorvastatin has the potential to protect or attenuate diabetes-induced renal injury. However, the possible protective effect of atorvastatin should be supported by clinical evidence.