Effect of simvastatin on the exocrine part of the pancreas in adult albino rat and the possible protective role of coenzyme Q10: a light and electron microscopic study

ABSTRACT

The statins represent the drugs of choice for treatment of hypercholesterolaemia. Because of the common use of statins [including simvastatin], both physicians and patients have demonstrated valid concerns about the safety associated with the use of such medications. This work was performed to study the effect of simvastatin on the exocrine part of the pancreas and to evaluate the possible protective role of Coenzyme Q10 [CoQ10]. The present study was carried out on 35 adult male albino rats which were divided into; group I [control group], group II [given 1.44 mg of simvastatin once daily for 12 weeks] and group III [given simvastatin in the same dose concomitantly with 3.6 mg of CoQ10 once daily for the same period]. The specimens were prepared for light and electron microscopic examination. Sections of simvastatin-treated rats showed morphological changes in acinar cells in the form of pyknotic nuclei, cytoplasmic vacuolation, abnormal shape of acini, congestion of blood vessels and widening of interstitial tissue. By Verhoeff's Van Gieson's stain, dissolution of elastic laminae was detected in some blood vessels. Ultrastructurally, there were variation of electron density of zymogen granules, dilation of both RER and perinuclear space, large vacuoles and damaged mitochondria in some acinar cells. The above findings were less prominent in animals treated with both simvastatin and CoQ10. Simvastatin has a harmful effect on the exocrine part of the pancreas and it is advisable that patients receiving simvastatin could use CoQ10 to minimize its side effects