The role of coenzyme Q10 against myopathy induced by simvastatin in adult male albino rats

Abstract

Background: Simvastatin (SIM) is one of the statin category that is used to lessen cholesterol. One of the most common side effects of  SIM is myopathy. Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is an antioxidant and biochemical cofactor produced naturally by the mitochondria of nearly all body cells especially in organs with high energy demand as muscles.

Aim: This study targeted to evaluate the role of CoQ10 to improve the myopathy effect of  SIM.

Material and Methods: This study included 70 adult male albino rats divided  into 4 groups; each subgroup was composed of ten rats, and received the drug diluted in distilled water via a gastric tube; Control group: received a daily dosage of common food and water. Myopathy group: Included two subgroups; SIM I: received 10 mg/kg/day of SIM  for 4 weeks and SIM II; received 10mg/kg/day of SIM for 12 weeks. Treated group; subdivided in to two subgroups; SIMI+CoQ10; administered 10 mg/kg/day of SIM with10mg/kg/day of CoQ10 for 4 weeks and SIMII+CoQ10; received 10mg/kg/day of SIM and 10mg/kg/day of CoQ10 for  12 weeks. Recovery group; include two subgroups; RI; received 10mg/kg /day of SIM  for 4 weeks, followed by another 4weeks of stopping drug administration, RII; received 10mg/kg/day of SIM for 12 weeks, followed by another 12 weeks stop of drug administration. At the end of the experiment, the body and muscle weights were measured, Blood samples were taken from retro venous plexus for biochemical analysis  and muscular specimens of gastrocnemius muscle were dissected for microscopic studies.

Results: The myopathy group showed a significant decrease in the body and muscle weights with elevation in the level of CK with muscle fiber degeneration and  inflammatory cells infiltration especially in groups of SIM II than SIM I. Compared with control group, there was a significant increase in area fraction of caspase3 positive reaction. In contrast the treated groups showed a significant increase in body and muscle weight with decrease in CK level, with upturn in architecture of the muscle tissue, as there was a significant decrease in area fraction of caspase reaction more than the withdrawal group.

Conclusion: Degenerative changes that induced by SIM can be improved by  CoQ10 administration.