Effects of Sofosbuvir on Serum Lipid Profile and Serum Uric Acid in Albino Rats

Abstract

Objective: To determine the effects of sofosbuvir over serum lipid profile and serum uric acid level in albino rats.
Study Design: Experimental interventional Design
Setting: Department of Pharmacology Isra University Hyderabad and Department of animal husbandry, Sindh Agriculture University Tandojam.
Study Duration: 6 months following synopsis approval.Sampling techniques:  Non probability purposive sampling
Sample Size:  40 Albino Rats weighing 200-300gm on average
Methodology: Rats were selected based on inclusion and excluding criteria. Rats were divided into 4 equal groups control, A, B and C each having 10 rats. Control group was given Normal saline, powdered milk, and flour. A, B and C were treated with Sofosbuvir dose 5.7 mg/kg, 11.4 mg/kg, 17.0 mg/kg respectively. Blood samples were collected at day 1 before starting the treatment and then at the end of the study (after 6 weeks) by sacrifying the rats under international protocols. Blood samples were analysed for serum uric acid and lipid profile. 
Results: There were significant changes in the total cholesterol between control and experimental group C, p-value 0.05, while no significant difference was noted between control and experimental group A and B. These findings show that the high dose of sofosbuvir drug changed the total cholesterol level. LDL showed a significant elevation in the experimental groups as compared to control with uses of sofosbuvir drug, the elevated difference was noted as in experimental groups A  P value = 0.006, similarly in group B  p- value 0.008 and in group C  p- value 0.008. No significant effects were found in TG and HDL levels in all experimental groups with controls. A significant difference was noted in the reduction of uric acid level between control and experimental group B and Experimental Group C, p- values were quite significant.
Conclusion: It was concluded that serum uric acid was significantly decreased; LDL and total cholesterol were elevated with use of sofosbuvir drug.