Impact of combined treatment with rosuvastatin and antidepressants on liver and kidney function in rats

Depression is among the most prevalent and life-threatening forms of mental illness, and is also a risk factor for cardiovascular disorders, diabetes and metabolic syndrome. Elderly patients commonly receive statins for the prevention of cardiovascular diseases, and antidepressant drugs for the treatment of depression. It should be noted that long-term polypharmacotherapy may lead to potential drug interactions and disorders of the organs. The aim of the present study was to determine whether, and to what extent, combined treatment with rosuvastatin and antidepressants (amitriptyline or fluoxetine) influences the biochemical markers of liver and kidney function in a rat model. For this purpose, the activity levels of aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), γ-glutamyltransferase (GGT) and the concentrations of total protein, urea, creatinine and β₂-microglobulin were determined. The results of the study indicated that combined treatment with rosuvastatin and the antidepressants amitriptyline and fluoxetine for 14 days altered the activity levels of ALT and GGT, and the concentrations of urea and creatinine in the serum compared with groups of rats receiving rosuvastatin or either antidepressant alone. These observed changes in biochemical parameters may suggest the possibility of impaired liver and kidney function during the continuous combined exposure to the drugs. However, further clinical and animal studies are required in order to further elucidate this process.