OBJECTIVE: To determine the histopathological effect of statins, fibrates and its combination in rat nerves
METHODOLOGY: This is a pilot experimental study. Four male albino rats were used in this study. Each rat was given therapeutic doses of simvastatin alone, gemfibrozil alone, gemfibrozil and simvastatin combination and placebo. On day 21, the sciatic nerve was harvested for histopathologic examination
RESULTS: Although not marked, the combination of simvastatin and gemfibrozil produced more axonal degeneration than did simvastatin alone or gemfibrozil alone. Axonal degeneration was documented on teased nerve fibers and epon cross sections
CONCLUSION: The use of lipid lowering agents may induce peripheral neuropathy Recommendation: This pilot study serves as rationale to proceed with an experiment not only to document neuropathy but also correlate the possible association of the pathomechanism of myotoxicity and neurotoxicity of lipid lowering agents.

Animal ; Rats ; Simvastatin ; Gemfibrozil ; Hydroxymethylglutaryl-coa Reductase Inhibitors ; Fibric Acids ; Hypolipidemic Agents ; Sciatic Nerve ; Peripheral Nervous System Diseases ; Epon ; Epoxy Resins ; Nerve Fibers