Effect of Oleanolic acid administration on hepatic AMPK, SIRT-1, IL-6 and NF-κB levels in experimental diabetes

Hatice Iskender1, Eda Dokumacioglu1, Kubra Asena Terim Kapakin2

  • 1Faculty of Healthy Sciences, Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Artvin Coruh University, 08000 Artvin, Turkey.

Abstract

Insights

Oleanolic acid (OA) treatment in diabetic rats reduced oxidative stress and liver inflammation. OA helped reverse harmful changes in antioxidant levels and inflammatory markers, improving liver health in diabetic subjects.

Area of Science:

  • Biochemistry
  • Pharmacology
  • Toxicology

Background:

  • Diabetes mellitus (DM) poses a global health challenge due to its complications and rising prevalence.
  • Oleanolic acid (OA) exhibits anti-diabetic properties by influencing glucose metabolism and acting on key signaling pathways.
  • OA modulates 5'-adenosine monophosphate (AMP)-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and Sirtuin-1 (SIRT-1), while inhibiting Interleukin-6 (IL-6) and Nuclear Factor kappa B (NF-κB).

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the potential of Oleanolic acid (OA) in ameliorating the hepatic inflammatory profile in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats.
  • To assess the impact of OA on oxidative stress markers and inflammatory pathways in the liver of diabetic subjects.

Main Methods:

  • Twenty-eight male Sprague Dawley rats were used, with diabetes induced via streptozotocin injection.
  • Diabetic and healthy rats received either tap water or Oleanolic acid (5 mg/kg) via oral gavage for 21 days.
  • Hepatic and serum parameters, including oxidative stress markers (MDA, SOD) and inflammatory markers (AST, ALP, ALT, AMPK, SIRT-1, NF-κB, IL-6), were analyzed.

Main Results:

  • Diabetic rats exhibited elevated hepatic MDA and serum AST, ALP, and ALT, alongside reduced hepatic SOD levels.
  • OA treatment significantly reversed these oxidative stress parameters in diabetic rats.
  • OA administration increased hepatic SIRT-1, tended to increase AMPK, and decreased hepatic NF-κB and IL-6 levels in diabetic rats, partially ameliorating degenerative changes.

Conclusions:

  • Oleanolic acid (OA) treatment demonstrates efficacy in alleviating oxidative stress in diabetic subjects.
  • OA helps reduce the severity of inflammation in hepatocytes of diabetic rats.
  • The findings suggest OA as a potential therapeutic agent for managing hepatic inflammation associated with diabetes.