SUMMARY
Abstract Background & Objective: The objective of the present study was to evaluate the effect of different statins (HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors) on gastric and duodenal ulcer in rats. Methods: The effect of different statins on gastric and duodenal ulcers were evaluated by using different experimental models such as acetic acid induced chronic gastric ulcer, pylorus ligation induced gastric ulcer, ethanol induced gastric ulcer, stress induced gastric ulcer and cysteamine induced duodenal ulcer. Results: The different statins tested in the present showed variable effects in different models of gastric ulcers and cysteamine induced duodenal ulcer. Atorvastain showed anti-ulcer activity in three models; pylorus ligation, ethanol induced gastric ulcer and acetic acid induced chronic gastric ulcers. Simvastatin showed a decrease in free acidity in pylorus ligated rats while lovastatin did not influence gastric and duodenal ulcer formation or healing of gastric ulcers. Interpretation & Conclusion: The atorvastatin showed significant effect on the healing and development of gastric ulcers while other statins did not influence ulcer healing or ulcer formation. It was concluded atorvastatin possess anti-ulcer effect in rats and all the tested statins may be safe for administration to patients suffering from peptic ulcer disease.