niacin ameliorates lipid disturbances due to glucocorticoid administration in rats

objective(s) this study was conducted to evaluate the effects of niacin on glucocorticoid-induced dyslipidemia and fatty liver in rats. materials and methods twenty four adult male rats were divided randomly into four equal groups: 1- normal saline (control), 2- dexamathasone 0.125 mg/kg/day, i.m., 3- dexamathasone + niacin 200 mg/kg/day, oral gavages, 4- niacin. after 2 weeks, serum total cholesterol, triglycerides, hdl-c, ldl-c and vldl-c concentrations were assayed and liver sections examined for fatty liver changes. data were analyzed by anova method and         p< 0.05 was considered significant. results dexamethasone increased all lipid parameters as compared to control (p< 0.05). lipid parameters in group 3, were lower than group 2 (p< 0.05) except for hdl-c which remained statistically the same. moderate fatty liver changes were observed in one third of rats in dexamethasone group. rats in groups 1, 3 and 4 had no sign of fatty changes. conclusion niacin positively affects glucocorticoid-induced dyslipidemia and fatty liver changes in rats.