Keywords: NAFLD, MDA, GSH, Telmisartan, Metformin.
ABSTRACT
Background and aim: Angiotensin II plays a vital role in the
development and progression of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease
(NAFLD) which is the most common, chronic liver disease
worldwide. The present work was designed to evaluate the
possible protective effect of telmisartan (AT1 receptor blocker)
alone and in combination with metformin on experimentally
induced fatty liver in rats and the possible mechanisms
underlying this action. Materials and methods: Nonalcoholic
fatty liver was induced in rats by high-fat diet (HFD). NAFLD
rats were divided into 4 groups. HFD untreated group,
telmisartan treated group 8mg/kg/day, metformin-treated group
150 mg/kg/day and HFD + telmisartan + metformin-treated
group. Results: The data of the current work revealed that HFD
administration significantly deteriorates liver functions, lipid
profile, MDA and GSH levels compared to normal control
group. Hepatic damage was confirmed with histopathological
studies. However, oral monotherapy either with telmisartan or
metformin improved the biochemical parameters and
histopathological changes with more significant effect of
combination therapy over the effect of each drug alone. In
conclusion: Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease could be
ameliorated by coadministration with telmisartan or metformin
by improving oxidative stress and liver function with more
significant effect of combined therapy over the effect of each
drug alone, suggesting new strategy in prevention and treatment
of NAFLD.