Exploring Therapeutic Potential of Atorvastatin Against Gram-positive and Gram-negative Bacteria: In silico, In vitro and In vivo Evidences

Abstract

Background: The incidences of opportunistic bacterial infections have increased in the past two decades or is expected to increase in the near future. Despite the availability of various classes of antibiotics, bacterial infections are not handled properly. Methods: Thus, in the present study, we have repurposed atorvastatin against various types of bacterial strains by using in silico, in vitro, and in vivo studies. Furthermore, a preliminary safety study was conducted using MTT assay. Results: In silico study results have revealed that atorvastatin has good interaction with various targets of bacterial cell like that of the reference ligand. However, under in vitro conditions,it was found that atorvastatin was effective at higher concentrations (>128 μg/ml) against various bacterial strains. Thus, further, atorvastatin was tested in combination with standard antibiotics and has shown a synergistic effect. Conclusion: The MTT assay results have revealed non-cytotoxic activity of atorvastatin. In conclusion, atorvastatin in combination with standard drugs could be developed as an antibacterial agent.