Protective Effects of Simvastatin on Cytotoxicity and Oxidative Stress in Human Gingival Fibroblasts Cells Exposed to Venlafaxine

Venlafaxine is an antidepressant that belongs to the family of selective serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRIs) drugs. Recent studies have indicated that prolonged use of antidepressants leads to a state where increased formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) overwhelms body antioxidant protection and subsequently induces DNA damage, lipid peroxidation, protein modification and cytotoxicity. This study attempts to examine the protective effect of simvastatin against venlafaxine induced cytotoxicity and oxidative stress in human gingival fibroblasts (HGF) cells.

In this experimental study, the intracellular ROS generation and IC50 were measured in cells treated with venlafaxine and simvastatin at different concentrations (50, 100, 150, and 200 μM) in pre-treatment in vitro condition.

According to findings, HGF cell viability was significantly different in 150, and 200 μM of simvastatin compared with venlafaxine (P<0.01). Also, simvastatin significantly decreased the effects of venlafaxine by reducing the level of ROS at 150 and 200 μM (P<0.01).

This study suggests that simvastatin attenuates venlafaxine-induced cytotoxicity in HGF cells through scavenging excessive ROS.