The reno-protective effects of atorvastatin in crush syndrome and rhabdomyolysis:is there a dilemma?

Background/aim: We aim to determine the effects of low-dose atorvastatin treatment together with crush fluid resuscitation on renal functions and muscle enzyme levels in a rat model of crush syndrome. Materials and methods: The study involved female Wistar Albino rats weighing 250-300 g that were housed with free access to food and water. The crush model was obtained by compression. Rats were randomly divided into four groups: control (C) group, atorvastatin + crush fluid (ACF) group, crush fluid (CF) group, and hypertonic saline (%3) + mannitol + sodium bicarbonate (SM) group. Blood was obtained at 24, 48, and 72 h, and serum creatinine kinase, myoglobin, urea, creatinine, and lactate dehydrogenase levels were studied.Results: All parameters were statistically significantly higher in the control group than in the treatment groups at all hours. However, there was no statistically significant difference among treatment groups regarding any of the parameters.Conclusion: This is the first study determining the role of atorvastatin in the treatment of renal ischemia/reperfusion injury in a crush syndrome and rhabdomyolysis model setting. Larger studies with different atorvastatin doses are required to define the role of this drug in the treatment of renal ischemia/reperfusion injury during crush syndrome.