Protective Effect of <i>Bifidobacterium longum</i> and <i>Streptococcus thermophilus</i> against Simvastatin-Induced Rhabdomyolysis in Hypercholesteraemic Rats

Abstract

Simvastatin (SMV), a commonly prescribed drug for lowering lipid levels, is linked to the serious side effect of rhabdomyolysis. This study explores the potential of probiotics, specifically Bifidobacterium longum (BL) and Streptococcus thermophilus (ST), as supplementary treatments to alleviate simvastatin-induced rhabdomyolysis in rats with high cholesterol levels. This study assesses the effects of combining simvastatin with probiotics on parameters such as lipid profiles, renal function, skeletal muscle markers, inflammatory cytokines, and histological characteristics. Rats with elevated cholesterol levels were exposed to SMV treatment alone and in conjunction with probiotics. This study compared the effects of combining simvastatin with BL and ST, focusing on their potential to ameliorate SMV-induced rhabdomyolysis. Combining simvastatin with BL and ST yielded notable outcomes. The supplementation significantly improved lipid profiles by reducing atherogenic lipids and increasing cardioprotective HDL-C levels. Additionally, the probiotics, particularly ST and BL, showed indications of preserving renal function and mitigating the adverse effects of simvastatin on muscle health. Analysis of inflammatory cytokines suggested that probiotics may modulate inflammation. Histological assessments confirmed the protective effects of probiotics by maintaining tissue integrity and normal cell appearance. While BL exhibited a slight advantage over ST, both probiotics demonstrated similar potential as adjunction therapies. This study’s findings highlight the promising role of probiotics, specifically BL and ST, in ameliorating simvastatin-induced rhabdomyolysis. These probiotics show the potential to improve lipid profiles, safeguard renal function, preserve muscle health, modulate inflammation, and maintain tissue integrity. These results provide a hopeful basis for potential therapeutic interventions in individuals experiencing adverse effects associated with SMV treatment.