The possible protective effects of vitamin D and L-carnitine against used atorvastatin-induced myopathy and hepatotoxicity

Abstract

Statins are widely used antihyperlipidemic drugs. The occurrence of side effects mainly myopathy and hepatotoxicity leads to discontinuation of treatments with these drugs. It is suggested that these side effects are due to mitochondrial dysfunction, decreased antioxidant activity, and induction of inflammatory and apoptotic mediators. It was noticed that vitamin D and L-carnitine possess antioxidant activities and inhibit apoptotic protein expression. Statin-induced hepatotoxicity and myopathy was done by oral administration of atorvastatin (50 mg/kg/day) to rats. Other rats were treated with atorvastatin and vitamin D3 (500 IU/kg/day) or atorvastatin and L-carnitine (300 mg/kg/day). The administration of vitamin D3 and L-carnitine led to inhibition of oxidative stress in the liver and skeletal muscles providing a protective effect. The serum levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and creatine kinase (CK) increased by atorvastatin were significantly reduced by administration of vitamin D3 and L-carnitine. Histopathologically, vitamin D3 and L-carnitine administration provided a good protection for hepatic injury and muscle tissue against atorvastatin toxic effects. The use of vitamin D3 and L-carnitine produced a protective effect against atorvastatin-induced myotoxicity and hepatotoxicity. This protective effect was indicated by reduced oxidative stress and reduction of serum levels of ALT, AST, and CK.