Protective effect of rosuvastatin treatment by regulating oxidized low-density lipoprotein expression in a rat model of liver fibrosis

The present study aimed to evaluate the protective effect of rosuvastatin treatment on the mechanism of oxidized low-density lipoprotein (Ox-LDL) in rats with liver fibrosis. In total, 72 male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into 3 groups: 24 in the control group (A), 24 in the obstructive jaundice models group (B) and 24 in the rosuvastatin group (C). Each group was further divided into four subgroups for assessment at different time-points. The obstructive jaundice models were established and rosuvastatin was administered by gavage. Liver fibrosis indicators, Ox-LDL, malonaldehyde (MDA) and superoxide dismutase (SOD), were measured and liver pathological changes were observed at weeks 1, 2, 3 and 4 after model induction. In groups B and C, the rat models were successfully established, and there were significant changes in the expression of Ox-LDL and the three liver fibrosis indicators when compared to group A (P<0.01). However, the expression of Ox-LDL and the three liver fibrosis indicators in group C were decreased compared with group B (P<0.05), while SOD increased (P<0.05) and MDA decreased (P<0.05). The three liver fibrosis indicators were different in comparison to group B (P<0.05). Thus, there appeared to be an association between the expression of Ox-LDL and liver fibrosis. Treatment with rosuvastatin could regulate the expression of Ox-LDL and improve liver fibrosis in rat models with obstructive jaundice.