Naringin ameliorates high-fat diet-induced hepatotoxicity and dyslipidemia in experimental rat model via modulation of anti-oxidant enzymes, AMPK and SERBP-1c signaling pathways

High-fat diet causes elevation of steatosis, dyslipidemia and oxidative stress which eventually leads to hepatic injury in the form of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Naringin, a natural flavonoid, having tremendous potentiality including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, hypolipidemic role. Based on this proposition, we investigated the role of naringin in hepatotoxicity and its possible underlying mechanism caused by high-fat diet for prolonged time. Fifteen Wistar rats were divided into three groups: Group A (CON) received normal diet; Group B (HFD) was administered with high-fat diet for 16 weeks; and Group C (THN) was treated with naringin (100 mg/kg B.W.) for last 6 weeks after induction of obesity. After autopsy, various parameters were studied like gravimetry, serum biochemistry, ROS activity, anti-oxidant enzymes, genes expression (AMPK and SREBP-1C), histochemistry, histopathology and ultrastructure of hepatic tissue. In HFD group, Masson’s trichome stain intensity increased 6.8-folds, indicating the onset of liver fibrosis; ROS generation and lipid peroxidation (TBARS) were significantly (p < 0.01) increased, whereas SOD and CAT were decreased by 36.7 % and 49.7 %, respectively. Furthermore, these parameters were remained normal in THN group. Besides, HFD group displayed extreme elevation in hepatic SREBP-1C expression (147 %) and downregulation of AMPK gene (77 %) compared to control. The ultrastructural study revealed most important and new insight of this study where HFD induced extreme reticule stress in hepatic tissue which was significantly improved by the treatment of naringin. These findings demonstrate that the naringin may be used as a potential therapeutic agent to combat obesity related hyperlipidemia and NAFLD.