Niacin Ameliorates Lipid Disturbances due to Glucocorticoid Administration in Rats

Objectives: This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of niacin on glucocorticoid-induced dyslipidemia and fatty liver in rats.

Materials and methods: TWENTY FOUR ADULT MALE RATS WERE DIVIDED RANDOMLY INTO FOUR EQUAL GROUPS: 1- normal saline (control), 2- dexamathasone 0.125 mg/kg/day, i.m., 3- dexamathasone + niacin 200 mg/kg/day, oral gavages, 4- niacin. After 2 weeks, serum total cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL-c, LDL-c and VLDL-c concentrations were assayed and liver sections examined for fatty liver changes. Data were analyzed by ANOVA method and P< 0.05 was considered significant.

Results: Dexamethasone increased all lipid parameters as compared to control (P< 0.05). Lipid parameters in group 3, were lower than group 2 (P< 0.05) except for HDL-c which remained statistically the same. Moderate fatty liver changes were observed in one third of rats in dexamethasone group. Rats in groups 1, 3 and 4 had no sign of fatty changes.

Conclusion: Niacin positively affects glucocorticoid-induced dyslipidemia and fatty liver changes in rats.