Rosuvastatin augments the beneficial hemodynamic effects of valsartan in nitric oxide-deficient hypertensive rats

Abstract

Objective The possible beneficial effects of the association between rosuvastatin (3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme reductase inhibitor) and valsartan [angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB)] on arterial blood pressure, endothelial nitric oxide production, cardiac hypertrophy, and lipid profile in nitric oxide-deficient hypertensive rats were examined. Background Statins and ARB possess common additional properties such as restoration of endothelial activity and antioxidant properties. These properties eventually prove useful for the improved treatment of cardiovascular disease. Method Hypertension was induced in male albino Wistar rats by daily gavage of NG-nitro-L-arginine-methyl ester (L-NAME, 50 mg/kg) for 3 weeks. These animals were randomly assigned to the following groups: L-NAME, L-NAME/valsartan, L-NAME/rosuvastatin, and L-NAME/valsartan+rosuvastatin. Result Oral administration of L-NAME for 3 weeks induced significant elevation in arterial blood pressure and increased the heart rate but did not show any significant change in plasma lipid profile. Meanwhile, plasma nitric oxide level was reduced to 20% of its normal level, and the plasma malondialdehyde level was significantly increased by 33.21%. Coadministration of rosuvastatin with valsartan improved hypertension, normalized the heart rate, increased plasma nitric oxide level by 70.06%, and restored the plasma malondialdehyde level to its normal value. Conclusion Coadministration of valsartan (ARBs) and rosuvastatin (3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme reductase inhibitor) as primary treatment therefore provides a greater degree of protection, controls the risk factors, and improves the vascular and general health.