Study of Khat Extract Effect on Atorvastatin –Induced Rhabdomyolsis in Rats

Abstract

The purpose of this thesis is to study the effect of Khat extract on Atorvastatin – induced rhabdomyolsis in rats. Khat (Catha edulis) was extracted according to the methanolic extraction protocol. A total of 24 healthy, 4-week-old male albino rats and they were divided into four different groups randomly. All drugs were administered orally using a metal gavage needle from the first day to the 28th day consequently. Rats' body weight was measured weekly. Blood samples were collected from sacrificed rats to analyze serum biomarkers (biochemical analysis). Serum myoglobin, creatine kinase (CKmm), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH, LDH5), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), troponine (fsTnI), and electrolyte (Na, K, Cl, Ca, Ca-ion, SUA) are the usual clinical pathology assays. The data was analyzed using SPSS, and the results were presented as mean ± standard deviation (SD). Muscle samples from the skeleton were obtained for histological analysis. The study findings revealed that Rats receiving 500 mg/kg Khat extract plus Atorvastatin 40mg\kg had a reduced body weight with an increase in biochemical markers compared to control group, such as sodium, potassium, chloride, uric acid, ALP, CKmm, fsTnI, Ca- ion, LDH, and LDH5, while a decrease in the biomarker calcium. Khat extract group and Atorvastatin group were elevated in the biochemical markers, but less than the Khat extract plus Atorvastatin group results. Biochemical markers of Khat extract plus Atorvastatin were well reflected in the histopathological findings of the skeletal muscles including extensive necrosis, intracellular vacuolation, muscle disruption, and dilated capillaries. Although myopathy is evident in slides of the Atorvastatin group and in slides of the Khat extract plus Atorvastatin group, the degree of myopathy is greater in the Khat extract plus Atorvastatin group. According to these findings, the study concluded that Khat chewing contributes to the development of muscle toxicity and maybe rhabdomyolsis. Furthermore, in combination, Khat with statin therapy caused elevated biochemical markers with clear histolopathology lesions of myopathy and probable rhabdomyolsis.