Luteolin Relieves Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Fatty Liver Disease Caused by a High-Fat Diet in Rats Through...

Area of Science:

• Biochemistry
• Pharmacology
• Hepatology

Background:

• Metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) is a growing global health concern.
• Luteolin exhibits known antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
• Understanding natural compounds' therapeutic potential for MAFLD is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the efficacy of luteolin in ameliorating high-fat diet (HFD)-induced MAFLD in a rat model.
• To explore the underlying molecular mechanisms of luteolin's action on MAFLD.

Main Methods:

• MAFLD was induced in rats using a high-fat diet supplemented with fructose.
• Luteolin (50 or 100 mg/kg/day) or metformin was administered to MAFLD rats for 4 weeks.
• Metabolic parameters, liver injury, oxidative stress markers, and protein expressions (AdipoR1, AMPK, PPAR-γ) were assessed.

Main Results:

• Luteolin significantly improved metabolic parameters, including reduced body weight, blood glucose, insulin, lipids, and blood pressure.
• Luteolin attenuated hepatic injury, inflammation, and oxidative stress (reduced malondialdehyde, increased catalase).
• Luteolin treatment led to increased plasma adiponectin and upregulated hepatic AdipoR1, AMPK, and PPAR-γ protein expression.

Conclusions:

• Luteolin effectively ameliorates HFD-induced MAFLD in rats.
• Luteolin's therapeutic effects involve reducing metabolic disturbances and oxidative stress.
• Restoration of AdipoR1, AMPK, and PPAR-γ pathways is a key mechanism for luteolin's action in MAFLD.