Study of anti-inflammatory effect of simvastatin in rats

Abstract

Background: Inflammation is a complex reaction in tissues that consists mainly of response of blood vessels and leukocytes. Simvastatin is a hypolipedemic drug belonging to the class of statins. Statins are competitive inhibitors of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase, the rate limiting enzyme in cholesterol synthesis, are widely prescribed for the treatment of hyperlipedemia. This study was conducted to evaluate the anti-inflammatory activity of simvastatin in albino rats using digital plethysmometer.

Methods: Male wistar albino rats weighing between 200-250 gm were selected for the study and rats were randomly divided into groups (control, standard, and test). The anti-inflammatory activity was evaluated by using carrageenan induced paw edema volume by using digital plethysmometer. Control group rats were administered 0.2 ml of normal saline, whereas, test group rats were administered simvastatin 40 mg and standard group diclofenac 50mg as single dose half an hour before injecting 0.1 ml of 1% carrageenan to the sub-plantar region of hind paw of rat. The paw edema of each rat was measured at 0 hour and after 3 hours.

Results: At a dose of 40 mg Simvastatin showed anti-inflammatory effect which is statically highly significant.

Conclusions: However, the above preclinical experiments only give us an idea about the anti-inflammatory activity, but large scale clinical trials are necessary for final assessment.