Effect of Atorvastatin Alone and in Combination with Aspirin on Uric Acid Handling of Normal Rats

Abstract

Introduction: Low doses of aspirin and statins are usually given in conjunction to patients with coronary artery disease. Aspirin at low doses is known to cause hyperuricemia in these patients which can further worsen their condition, while statins can theoretically counteract this effect. However, this interaction needs to be tested.

Aims & Objectives: To estimate the effect of atorvastatin and low dose of aspirin alone and in combination on serum uric acid level and urinary uric acid excretion in normal rats.

Place and duration of study: Post Graduate Medical Institute, Lahore from July, 2018 to August, 2018.

Material & Methods: Twenty-four healthy Sprague Dawley rats were distributed equally into four groups (Normal control, Aspirin, Atorvastatin and Combination groups). They were given distilled water, aspirin (6.75mg/kg), atorvastatin (5mg/kg) or combination of the same doses of aspirin and atorvastatin for 4 weeks. One ml blood and twenty-four-hour urine sample was collected on week 0 and 4 for estimation of uric acid and creatinine concentrations. Fractional excretion of uric acid was calculated.

Results: At the end of four weeks the Aspirin group had higher serum uric acid level and lower fractional excretion of uric acid as compared to the Normal control group. Atorvastatin group had lower serum uric acid and higher urinary uric acid level as compared to Aspirin group while combination had higher serum uric acid level versus Normal control. fractional excretion of uric acid decreased from 0-4 weeks in Aspirin and Combination groups only.

Conclusion: The role of atorvastatin in lowering serum uric acid levels in group receiving atorvastatin alone and in combination group emerged non-significant.