The effect of bempedoic acid on histopathologic changes associated with natural aging in rat lungs

The process of aging is characterized by a series of physiological, cellular, and immunological changes in tissues. Bempedoic acid is an antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and cholesterol-lowering drug that does not belong to the statin class. The objective of this study was to assess the impact of bempedoic acid on age-related histopathological alterations in rat lungs.

A total of 40 Wistar-Albino male rats (275-357 g) were included in the study, with 10 rats in each experimental group [Young control (YC), Young + Bempedoic acid (YD), Elderly control (EC), Elderly + Bempedoic acid (ED)]. Bempedoic acid (30 mg/kg/day) was administered orally for one month. The rats were housed under controlled conditions to minimize external stressors. The Geropathological Grading System (GGP) was used to standardize the evaluation of age-related findings in the lungs. Some lesions were classified as either present or absent, whereas others were evaluated on a scale of 0-4 according to their severity. Composite lesion scores were calculated for each rat. Additionally, the presence and severity of emphysema in the rat lungs were recorded.

Although the median composite lesion score was higher in the elderly groups, the difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.7). The distribution of cells associated with passive congestion, heart failure, and atelectasis was higher in the elderly drug group (p = 0.024 and p = 0.015, respectively). The prevalence of perivascular inflammation was significantly higher in the elderly control group compared to the other groups. Moreover, no cases of moderate-to-severe perivascular inflammation were observed in the elderly drug group (p = 0.019). The prevalence of severe emphysema was higher in the elderly control group compared to the other groups, whereas no cases of severe emphysema were observed in the elderly drug group (p = 0.044).

It is hypothesized that statins, a class of antihyperlipidemic drugs, exert a protective effect against aging due to their ability to correct oxidative damage. Similarly, bempedoic acid's effect on fat oxidation and cholesterol metabolism may be associated with its protective role in the lungs.