The Protective Role of a Flavonoid “Morin” on the Liver of Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Rats

Objective: The aim of the this study to evaluate the potential protective effects of morin “a flavonoid” on the liver of streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats subjected to oxidative stress and apoptosis. Methods: Thirty two healthy young (30 days old) and adult (60 days old) male rats weighing 150-200g were taken for the study and divided into four groups: Group I, control non diabetic group; Group II, morin non diabetic group; Group III, diabetic untreated group and Group IV (diabetic treated group with morin, with each group comprising of 8 rats (n=8). Diabetes was induced by a single intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (55mg/kg). Morin was administered orally using an intragastric tube in dose of 30mg/kg daily for 6 weeks. Biochemical estimation of fasting blood glucose, plasma markers of liver function including alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), albumin and total bilirubin was carried out. The liver of the rats were collected for clinical biochemical analysis, which include measuring the levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) in tissue, and enzymatic antioxidants such as glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) and were studied histopathologicaly by light microscopy as well as by immunohistochemical analysis. Results: Fasting blood glucose level was highly significantly increased, ALT, AST, ALP and bilirubin level was significantly increased, whereas albumin level was significantly decreased in diabetic untreated group III compared with the control group I. In contrast levels of blood glucos was significantly decreased in morin non-diabetic group II and diabetic group IV treated with morin compared with control group I, whereas the levels of ALT, AST, ALP and bilirubin were significantly decreased and albumin level was significantly increased in diabetic group IV treated with morin compared with the control group I. The level of MDA was significantly increased, whereas the level of GSH-Px was significantly decreased in diabetic untreated group III compare with the control group I. In contrast the level of MDA was significantly decreased, and the level of GSH-Px was significantly increased in diabetic group IV treated with morin. Histopathological analysis of the liver of Streptozotocin diabetic rats showed pathological changes. However, treatment with morin attenuated the histopathological changes and corrected the biochemical parameters mentioned above. Conclusion: Morin has a hepatoprotective effect; it has been shown to attenuate the hepatic injury and apoptosis induced by streptozotocin, and has the capacity to scavenge free radicals, protect against oxidative stress, improve antioxidant enzyme activities, and also has antidiabetic efficacy on diabetic rats.