Simvastatin attenuates chromium-induced nephrotoxicity in rats

BACKGROUND: Hexavalent Chromium (Cr (VI)) compounds are extremely toxic and have been demonstrated to induce nephrotoxicity associated with oxidative stress in humans and animals. The wide environmental distribution of these agents lead to an increase interest of preventive effects of its adverse effects. OBJECTIVES: The propose of the present study was to determine the potential protective effects of simvastatin (SIMV) on Cr (VI)-induced nephrotoxicity in rat. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty-eight adult male Wistar rats (180-220 g BW) were randomly assigned to eight groups (n = 6). Group one received SIMV 20 mg/kg/day. Group two was given vehicle only. Groups three, five and seven received intraperitoneally (i.p) sodium dichromate (Cr (VI)) at doses of 8, 12 and 16 mg/kg body weight. Groups four, six and eight pretreated with the 20 mg/kg SIMV 30 minutes to prior administration of Cr (VI) at doses of 8, 12 and 16 mg/kg, respectively. The experiment repeated for eight consecutive days. Twenty-four hours after the last administration, animals were killed with overdose of sodium pentobarbital. Kidney tissues were excised for measuring malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione (GSH) and histopathological examination. RESULTS: Chromium induced a dose dependent elevation of MDA and reduction of GSH levels. Histopathological manifestations were observed in Cr (VI)-treated rats. SIMV administration restored Cr (VI) produced biochemical and morphological changes in rat kidney. SIMV decreased MDA values and increased GSH levels in Cr (VI)-treated rats. SIMV clearly reversed the microscopic damage, demonstrating its protective effects against Cr (VI)-induced kidney injury. CONCLUSIONS: This observation suggests that SIMV may have a protective effect against Cr (VI)-induced oxidative stress in rat kidney.