<p>ABSTRACT<br />Objective: The goal of the present study was to examine the viability of Morus alba (M. alba) ethanolic extract in repression of obesity-associated<br />hepatic steatosis and related metabolic disorder; dyslipidemia, hyperinsulinemia, and glycemic status.<br />Methods: Adult female albino rats were randomly assigned into four groups, eight rats each as follows: Group (1) control group received standard<br />rodent diet for 24 weeks. The other three groups administered high cholesterol diet for 12 weeks and served as obese group, M. alba-treated group,<br />and simvastatin-treated group.<br />Results: The current results showed an increment in thoracic circumference (TCX) and abdominal circumferences (AC) as well as body mass index<br />(BMI) in obese group. In addition, dyslipidemia, hyperinsulinemia, hyperglycemia, and insulin resistance have been elucidated in obese group.<br />Moreover, hepatic malondialdehyde (MDA), nitric oxide (NO), serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and bilirubin<br />values were significantly increased in obese groups versus control group. On the other hand, administration of ethanolic extract of Morus alba or<br />simvastatin could significantly lessen BMI and in addition to improve dyslipidemia in obese group. Glucose, insulin levels, and insulin resistance value<br />in serum samples demonstrated a significant reduction in obese group upon treatment with M. alba ethanolic extract or simvastatin. Furthermore,<br />noticeable depletion in hepatic MDA, NO contents, serum ALT, AST activities, and serum bilirubin level was recorded as a result of treatment with<br />either ethanolic extract of M. alba or simvastatin. Histopathological examination of liver tissue showed ballooning degeneration in the hepatocytes<br />(hepatic steatosis) associated with inflammatory cells penetration in portal zone in obese group. Meanwhile, the treatment of obese groups with<br />ethanolic extract of M. alba or simvastatin was found to restore the structural organization of the liver.<br />Conclusion: The present findings provide a novel aspect for understanding of the role of M. alba against obesity-associated liver diseases and related<br />metabolic disorder. The mechanisms underlying these effects seem to depend on the hypolipidemic potential, anti-inflammatory property, and<br />antioxidant activity of its phytochemicals.<br />Keywords: Obesity, Morus alba, Dyslipidemia, Hyperinsulinemia, Hyperglycemia, Hepatic steatosis.</p>
Abdominal fat index — a non-invasive marker of hepatic steatosis and insulin resistance in children
