Paradoxical effects of atorvastatin in isoproterenol-induced cardiotoxicity in rats: Role of oxidative stress and inflammation.

Atorvastatin (ATV) was previously shown to improve oxidative stress, inflammation and endothelial dysfunction in several experimental and clinical studies yet other studies have reported a pro-oxidant and damaging effect upon ATV administration. The present study was directed to investigate the effect of ATV pre- and post-treatment in isoproterenol (ISO)-induced cardiotoxicity in rats. Myocardial damage was induced by ISO (5 mg/kg/day, s.