Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 17, 2025
Optimized Analysis of In Vivo and In Vitro Hepatic Steatosis
Published on: March 11, 2017
Hepatic histopathological and morphometric changes in male mice exposed to rosuvastatin from pre-puberty to
Jennyfer Karen Knorst1, Tainara Fernandes de Mello1,2, Amanda Rebonatto Oltramari1,2
1Laboratório de Reprodução e Toxicologia (Laretox), Centro de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, SC, Brazil.
Abstract:
Lifestyle changes, such as poor eating habits and a reduction in physical exercise, have impaired human lipid profiles. Statins are widely used to treat dyslipidemias, of which rosuvastatin shows greater improvement in the lipid profile and may be used since childhood. This study aimed to assess the hepatic effects when male mice were given 0.9% saline solution or doses of rosuvastatin of 1.5 or 5.5 mg/kg/day from postnatal day (PND) 23 until PND 80. Body mass gain and water and food consumption were monitored during the treatment. Mice were euthanized on PND 80 when blood was collected for serum obtainment, and several organs were collected and weighed. Serum was used for evaluating lipid profiles and markers of hepatic injuries. The liver was assessed for histopathological, morphometric, and stereological changes. There was a temporary reduction in body mass gain and water and food consumption in the rosuvastatin-exposed groups. Both rosuvastatin-treated groups exhibited reduced total cholesterol levels and showed signs of hepatic tissue adaptation in response to prolonged exposure, such as sinusoidal dilation, inflammatory infiltrates, and cell death of hepatocytes. These results are considered side effects of the treatment and may indicate a hepatic adaptation to the chronic exposure.
Insights
Rosuvastatin treatment in young mice temporarily reduced weight and food intake. Chronic exposure led to liver changes, including cell death, indicating potential side effects and adaptation.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Hepatology
- Toxicology
Background:
- Lifestyle changes negatively impact human lipid profiles, necessitating treatments like statins.
- Rosuvastatin is a potent statin effective for dyslipidemia, even in pediatric cases.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the hepatic effects of rosuvastatin in male mice from postnatal day 23 to 80.
- To assess rosuvastatin's impact on lipid profiles, liver injury markers, and liver tissue adaptation.
Main Methods:
- Male mice were administered rosuvastatin (1.5 or 5.5 mg/kg/day) or saline from postnatal day 23 to 80.
- Evaluated body mass, consumption, serum lipid profiles, hepatic injury markers, and liver histopathology.
Main Results:
- Rosuvastatin temporarily decreased body mass gain and consumption.
- Reduced total cholesterol levels were observed in treated groups.
- Hepatic tissue showed adaptation signs: sinusoidal dilation, inflammation, and hepatocyte death.
Conclusions:
- Rosuvastatin treatment in young mice can cause temporary growth reduction.
- Chronic rosuvastatin exposure induces hepatic adaptation and potential side effects like inflammation and cell death.
