Journal of Rawalpindi Medical College (Jan 2024)
The Effects Of Simvastatin On Islets Of Langerhans In The Pancreas Of Rats: A Histological And Biochemical Study
Abstract
Objective: This study explored the effect of simvastatin on the histomorphology of islets of Langerhans, glucose and insulin levels in rats. Study Design: The study was a one-year laboratory-based experimental control trial. Place and duration of study: It was conducted at Army Medical College Rawalpindi, in collaboration with the National Institute of Health Islamabad and Armed Force Institute of Pathology Rawalpindi. Methods: A one-year, laboratory-based, two-group experimental control trial was conducted. Thirty rats were assigned to each group: a control group receiving saline injections, and a simvastatin group receiving a simvastatin 60 mg/kg/day. Histological analysis of pancreatic islets, and measurements of blood glucose and insulin levels were performed. Statistical analysis was conducted using independent sample t-tests, with significance set at p 0.05). These findings suggest potential modulation of pancreatic islet function by simvastatin without affecting glycemic control in this model. Conclusions: These findings demonstrate that simvastatin treatment significantly impacts the morphology and function of pancreatic islets in rats, increasing insulin secretion without affecting blood glucose levels. Further research is necessary to elucidate the underlying mechanisms and clinical implications of these observations. Keywords: Simvastatin, islets of Langerhans, Sprague-Dawley rats, insulin, glucose, pancreas.