Atorvastatin has therapeutic potential for the fatty liver-induced memory dysfunction in rats, likely via its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties

Abstract

This study aimed to evaluate the memory function in a rat model of fatty liver and to investigate the effects of statins on fatty liver, neuronal inflammation, oxidative stress and memory. in this study, 24 male rats were used and were divided into four groups consisting of 6 animals in each. of them, 12 rats received liquid diet containing 35% fructose for 8 weeks in order to induce hepatosteatosis, while other animals had a normal nutrition. Group 1 served as controls and had a normal nutrition with no drug treatment. the animals in Group 2 had a normal nutrition and treated with atorvastatin. Group 3 received high-fructose diet with no drug treatment and Group 4 received high-fructose diet followed by atorvastatin treatment. After the two weeks of treatment period, passive avoidance tasks evaluating the memory were performed in both the study and control groups. the liver and brain were then removed for histologic, pathologic, and biochemical evaluation. in the non-treated rats with hepatosteatosis (Group 3), the lowest mean latency time and the highest mean histopathologic liver score, and brain TNF- alpha and MDA (Measurement of lipid peroxidation) were found (p < 0.00001). on the other hand, in the animals treated with atorvastatin, all these parameters were significantly higher than that of controls and significantly lower than that of Group 3 (p < 0.05). Fatty liver can increase inflammation and cause memory disorders, and atorvastatin may have a positive effect on cognitive disorders.