Effects of simvastatin on lipid profile, atherogenic index and serum transaminases in hyperlipidemic patients

ABSTRACT

Hyperlipidemia is characterized by increased concentrations of iipids including triglycerides, total cholesterol, low density lipoproteins, very low density lipoproteins in the blood and some times decreased high density lipoproteins. Many drugs have been used for treatment of this disorder. The present study was designed to estimate the effects of simvastatin on lipid profile, atherogenic index, transaminases, creatinine, uric acid and alkaline phosphatase. This study covered 70 subjects, they were divided into two groups, the first group included 45 hyperlipidaemic patients which were treated with 20mg simvastatin and second group included 25 normal subjects. After 12 hours fasting, serum lipid profile, transaminases; alkaline phosphatase, uric acid and creatinine were measured for the patients in 3 intervals before treatment, after 8 weeks and 16 weeks of treatment, and one time for normal subjects. After therapy, simvastatin showed a significant reduction in serum [TC, TG, LDL, VLDL and atherogenic index] and also, significant rise in HDL noticed, by performing a comparison between the group before treatment, and groups after treatment.Serum ALT, AST and ALP were significantly increased but were still within normal levels.Insignificant effect was observed from serum creatinine, uric acid and also body mass index by performing a comparison between group before treatment and groups after treatment. Conclusions:Simvastatin was effective in controlling lipid profile and atherogenic index, with no significant abnormality in liver functions