Effects of Simvastatin and Omega 3-Fatty Acids on Blood Pressure, Plasma Lipid Profiles, Liver and Renal Function in Type 2 Diabetes

A group of patients with and hyperlipidemia were divided into male and female groups and further subdivided into 3 groups. These groups received, either simvastatin (20 mg daily), Omega3-fatty acid (2g/day), or both. The blood pressure and lipid profile were measured before and after 4 weeks of treatment. Our data showed that treatment with simvastatin did not produce significant effect on blood pressure, however the blood pressure was significantly reduced in patients received omega 3-fatty acid or simvastatin plus omega3-fatty acid. The total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), and low density lipoprotein (LDL) significantly decreased in all treated groups. The high density lipoprotein (HDL) significantly increased in all treated groups except in the group of males receiving simvastatin. Alanine transaminase (ALT) increased significantly in female and male groups receiving simvastatin, but significantly decreased in same groups receiving omega 3-fatty acid and in the males receiving simvastatin plus omega3-fatty acid. The aspartate transaminase (AST) levels significantly decreased in all treated groups except in the female group given omega3-fatty acid. The alkaline phosphatase (ALP) significantly increased only in the groups given simvastatin alone. The levels of urea and creatinine were not affected in all groups. In our prospective study we found that simvastatin decreased TC, TG and LDL, and resulted in elevation of liver transaminases. Omega3- fatty acid alone or in combination with simvastatin has similar effect on lipid profile and it significantly reduces blood pressure without affecting liver or renal function.