Vit D mitigates metabolic syndrome-induced hepatic damage via antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and AMPK/PI3K signaling pathways in rats

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Metabolic syndrome (MetS) involves insulin resistance and dyslipidemia. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate vitamin D's (Vit D) hepatoprotective role in MetS and its mechanisms. METHODS: Thirty male rats were divided into MetS, MetS + Vit D, and control groups. We measured arterial blood pressure (ABP), body weight, fat, homeostatic Model Assessment for Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR), glycemic/lipid profiles, liver enzymes, oxidative stress (Malondialdehyde, superoxide dismutase), inflammation (Tumor necrosis factor; TNF-α, matrix metalloproteinase; MMP9, Glial fibrillary acidic protein; GFAP), and AMP-activated protein kinase/Phosphoinositide 3-kinase (AMPK/PI3K) expression. RESULTS: Vit D mitigates MetS-induced liver damage via AMPK/PI3K activation, exerting antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.