Effect of statins versus montelukast on experimentally induced asthma in guinea big: histological study

ABSTRACT

The prevalence of asthma is rising. Consequently, there is an increased need for the development of new agents for its treatment, especially for patients who respond poorly to conventional therapy. The current study aim to establish whether statins could modulate inflammatory responses in a model of allergic asthma in guinea pig or not. Thirty six male guinea pigs were used. The animals were divided into two groups Control group I and asthmatic group II. In group II, asthma was induced by sensitization and challenging with ovalbumin [OVA]. Group II was further divided into Subgroup IIa which was just asthmatic subgroup, subgroup lib was given montelukast, subgroup Ic was given simvastatin and subgroup lid was given pravastatin. The duration of experiment was 3 weeks at the end of the experiment bronchoalveolar lavage [BAL] was performed and lung specimens were obtained, processed and subjected to different histological staining techniques. Lungs of asthmatic animals showed thick interalveolar septa due to inflammatory cells migration. Goblet cells were increased in number with more mucous secretion. Narrow airways were apparent due to inflammatory edema, mucous secretion and desquamated cells. There was statistically significant increase in mean thickness of interalveolar septa and mean number of goblet cells. Also there was significant increase in mean number of alveolar macrophages, eosinophils, lymphocytes and neutrophils. In simvastatin subgroup, there was partial improvement while in pravastatin subgroup there was similar picture as that of montelukast subgroup and control group. Statins could be used as anti-inflammatory in treatment of bronchial asthma. Moreover. Pravastatin [hydrophilic lipid lowering agents] could produce more anti-inflammatory effect better than simvastatin [hydrophobic lipid lowering agents]