Synergistic interaction of ellagic acid with diabetes on hepatic tissue, and the expression profile of insulin like growth factor-1 and Klotho genes

Abstract Diabetes type 2 is a notable disease in many countries linked to a high risk of morbidity from liver disease. Liver diseases represent a major public health challenge in individuals diagnosed by type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Ellagic acid (EA) derived from strawberry has hypoglycemic effect and can maintain liver functions. Current study aimed to detect the therapeutic and protective effects of EA on hepatic enzymes, lipid profile, inflammatory cytokines, and the expressions of insulin like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) and klotho genes in T2DM. 50 adult male rats were divided for 5 equally groups (control, EA only, diabetic-control, co-treated, and post-treated). Rats were intraperitoneally injected by a single dose of streptozotocin (STZ). The animals were treated orally with EA. Liver enzymes, lipid profile, inflammatory markers and expressions of IGF-1 and klotho genes were detected. EA reduced blood sugar, lipid profile, and inflammation, and improved hepatic injury caused by diabetes. Both IGF-1 and klotho genes were down-regulated in diabetic group, but, their expressions were overexpressed in treated groups. EA can be used as a diet supplement in diabetic individuals for improving of chronic effects of T2DM in liver.