The impact of ghrelin on oxidative stress and inflammatory markers on the liver of diabetic rats

Abstract

Background On the basis of the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of ghrelin on the liver of diabetic rats. Aim This research was designed to investigate its supposed improving role against histochemical alterations induced in the liver by diabetes. Materials and methods This study was carried out on 21 male albino rats that were divided into three equal groups. Group I included seven male rats and was used as a control group. In the remaining 14 rats, diabetes was induced through an intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin. The diabetic rats were chosen and randomly divided into two groups. Group II included untreated diabetic rats, and group III included diabetic rats treated with subcutaneous administration of unacylated ghrelin (UAG). At the end of the experimental period, the blood samples were collected and liver tissues were excised for chemical and histopathological investigations. Results The results showed that the plasma level of glucose and inflammatory cytokines were increased and that of insulin and total ghrelin were significantly decreased in diabetic rats. Moreover, serum levels of aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase were significantly elevated, whereas there was a significant decrease in lactate dehydrogenase. Furthermore, hepatic tissue malondialdehyde was significantly increased, and the levels of serum superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase were significantly decreased in the diabetic group. However, their treatment with UAG significantly opposed the levels of the previously mentioned parameters toward the normal levels. Finally, liver histopathology of the diabetic animals showed several alterations, which were ameliorated through the administration of UAG. Conclusion It could be concluded that ghrelin administration has an improving effect against histochemical alterations induced in the diabetic liver.