Development And In-Vivo Evaluation Of Atorvastatin Solid Lipid Nanoparticles For Anti-Hyperlipidemic Activity

Abstract

The present study focuses on the development and in-vivo evaluation of Atorvastatin-loaded solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) for enhanced anti-hyperlipidemic activity. Atorvastatin, a widely prescribed HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor, suffers from poor oral bioavailability due to low solubility and extensive first-pass metabolism. To overcome these limitations, SLNs were formulated using high shear homogenization followed by ultrasonication, employing biocompatible lipids and surfactants to achieve nanosized, stable dispersions. The prepared formulations were characterized for particle size, zeta potential, drug entrapment efficiency, and in-vitro drug release profiles. Optimized SLNs displayed nanometric size distribution, high stability, and sustained drug release compared to conventional atorvastatin formulations. In-vivo pharmacodynamic studies were carried out in hyperlipidemic rat models induced by a high-fat diet, evaluating lipid profile parameters including total cholesterol, triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein (LDL), and high-density lipoprotein (HDL). Results demonstrated that atorvastatin SLNs significantly reduced total cholesterol, triglycerides, and LDL levels, while concomitantly elevating HDL concentrations more effectively than pure drug suspension. These findings highlight improved therapeutic efficacy and bioavailability of atorvastatin when incorporated into SLNs. Thus, Atorvastatin-loaded SLNs represent a promising nanocarrier system with potential for enhanced management of hyperlipidemia, reduced dosing frequency, and improved patient compliance. Further clinical investigations are warranted to establish their translational applicability.