The eye lens evaluation of the atorvastatin-treated white rat

The aim of this study is to determine potential cataractogenic activity of atorvastatin the 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase inhibitor. HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors (atorvastatin, lovastatin, simvastatin, pravastatin, fluvastatin, cerivastatin) (statins) are the most potent cholesterol and LDL-C lowering drugs. Statins differ in many aspects e.g. intensity of side-effects. It is possible that some hydroxymethylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase inhibitors (statins) therapy is associated with cataract occurrence. The purpose of these studies was to focus on the potential cataractogenic contribution of atorvastatin. The studies were carried out on white Wistar rats. The animals were given atorvastatin (Sortis--Parke-Davis, USA) in two doses: 1.14 mg/kg mg/day, and 11.4 mg/day. Lens structure was observed in stereoscopic, dark-filed and in optic microscope, the cataract was observed in the examined preparations, specially high doses administered. We concluded that lens turned out to be reacting to atorvastatin. Drug dose corresponded to increase in the number and duration of cataract episodes (changes were more significant in the experimental groups 11.4 mg/kg). Alterations in the examined lens design may be a result of atorvastatin effect.