Atorvastatin causes regression of endometriotic implants in a rat model

Endometriotic implants were induced surgically in female Wistar albino rats, which were randomly divided into three groups. The rats in group I (n = 10) and group II (n = 9) were given 2.5 mg/kg/day intraperitoneal and oral atorvastatin, respectively, for 28 days. Group III (n = 9) was given no medication (control). The mean volume and weight of explants in group I were significantly lower (both P < 0.05) compared with group III. Histopathological score of the implants was significantly tower in groups I and II, when compared with group III (P < 0.01 and P < 0.05, respectively). There were significant reductions in explant concentrations of vascular endothelial growth factor and matrix metalloproteinase 9 in group I (P < 0.01 and P < 0.001, respectively) and group II (both P < 0.01) compared with group III while staining due to tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase 2 was significantly higher in group I (P < 0.01) and group II (P < 0.01) compared with group III. Moreover, explant concentration of superoxide dismutase was significantly increased in groups I and II compared with group III (both P < 0.05). In conclusion, atorvastatin causes significant regression of endometriotic implants in rats. Moreover, intraperitoneal atorvastatin seems to be more effective than oral atorvastatin. (C) 2009, Reproductive Healthcare Ltd. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.