Antihyperlipidemic and antiatherogenic activity of simvastatin may involve modulation of the expression of lecithin:cholesterol acyl transferase.

INTRODUCTION The statin-induced effects on high density lipoprotein (HDL) are relatively small compared with those of low density lipoprotein (LDL) and, as a result, most clinical trials of statins are underpowered with respect to HDL parameters. This study experimentally investigated, the effects of statin on serum lipids, atherogenic index and examined the possibility of a relationship amongst serum concentrations of HDL-C, atherogenic index and activity of lecithin:cholesterol acyl transferase. METHOD Thirty albino rats equally divided into 2 groups were used for the study. Group 1 was given 0.05mg/g of statin daily for 28 days, while group 2 served as control. HDL concentration was determined as a measure of HDL-C. Total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG) and HDL-C were determined spectrophotometrically while LDL-C was calculated using the Frieldwald formula. Effect on the activity of lecithin:cholesterol acyl transferase was determined by the difference between the amount of free cholesterol converted to cholesteryl ester in the two experimental groups. Effects on body and relative organs weights were also determined. RESULTS The administration of statin caused a significant increase in serum concentration of HDL-C, while levels of LDL-C, triglyceride and total cholesterol were reduced. Simvastatin caused a significant reduction in the atherogenic index (TC/HDL-C; LDLC/HDL-C). The administration of statin significantly induced the activity of lecithin:cholesterol acyl transferase (LCAT) as evident by reduced serum concentration of free cholesterol when compared with control. The administration of statin caused reduced body and relative organs weights. CONCLUSION The study showed that serum antihyperlipidemic and antiatherogenic activity of statin may involve the induction of LCAT.