Volume :
1
Issue :
3
Abstract :
Accurate timing of statin administration is considered important to obtain the best hypolipidemic effect. Atorvastatin is one of the currently prescribed hepatic 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase inhibitors, and was chosen in this study to evaluate its antioxidant effect when administered as a single daily dose in the morning versus evening in cholesterol-fed rabbits. This 12-week study was performed in albino rabbits, divided into four groups (n = 6 each), ie, normocholesterolemic controls; cholesterol 1% diet, nontreated; cholesterol 1% diet treated with atorvastatin in the morning; and cholesterol 1% diet treated with atorvastatin in the evening. Plasma total cholesterol levels, superoxide dismutase enzyme levels in erythrocyte lysates, thiobarbituric acid-reactive substance content, catalase, and glutathione enzyme activity in liver homogenates from the tested rabbits were measured. Both morning and evening treatment with atorvastatin significantly improved all the measured antioxidant markers in comparison with non-treated cholesterol-fed rabbits. However, results obtained with evening dosing were better than with morning dosing. The antioxidant profile of atorvastatin is better when the drug is administered in the evening rather than in the morning.