Comparative study of hepatotoxic potential of simvastatin vs rosuvastatin and reversal via coenzyme Q10 and montelukast (ONGOING)

Abstract of study:
Objectives:

Statins cause elevations of AST and ALT, cholestatic hepatotoxicity, fulminant hepatitis, autoimmune hepatitis, and cirrhosis. (2) Various mechanisms are hypothesized including reduced levels of Coenzyme Q10, inflammation and oxidative stress. Coenzyme Q10 is anti-apoptotic and possesses antioxidative potential whereas Montelukast can reduce inflammation via inhibition of leukotriene pathway. Hence both these drugs may have a protective effect against statin induced hepatotoxicity. This study will include the comparison of hepatotoxic potential of simvastatin and rosuvastatin and assess the hepatoprotective efficacy of montelukast and coenzyme Q10.
Methodology: An experimental study of 2 weeks was conducted in the department of Pharmacology on a sample of 35 mice, randomly divided into 7 groups of 5 mice each for 2 weeks.  Group 1 was used as control. Group 2 received simvastatin 50mg/kg/day of simvastatin intraperitoneally (I/P). Group 3 received I/P 50mg/kg/day rosuvastatin. Group 4 received 50mg/kg/day I/P simvastatin+3mg/kg of Montelukast. Group 5 received 50mg/kg/day of rosuvastatin +3mg/kg of Montelukast. Group 6 received 50mg/kg/day of simvastatin+10mg/kg of coenzyme Q10. Group 7 received 50mg/kg/day of rosuvastatin+10mg/kg of coenzyme Q10 I/P.

Results: Both the statins showed hepatotoxicity, however Rosuvastatin showed higher liver function derangements. Montelukast did reduce hepatotoxicity and brought about regenerative changes in simvastatin group. Coenzyme Q10 did not show any significant protective potential against the statins, rather higher liver function derangements were observed.

Conclusion: Rosuvastatin had a higher hepatotoxic potential compared to simvastatin, as evidenced by the elevated liver enzymes and histological changes in the liver tissue. However, the study also found that montelukast showed a better hepatoprotective effect compared to coenzyme Q10, as it was able to effectively reverse the liver damage caused by both simvastatin and rosuvastatin.