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.
Hanan T. Emam*, Nashwa Hassan Abu-Raia
Clinical Pharmacology Department, Benha Faculty of Medicine, Benha University, Eygpt.
Submission: 25 April 2019
Accepted: 30 April 2019
Published: 30 May 2019 |
