L-citrulline modulates pancreatic enzyme activity and biochemical markers in adult female Wistar rats with metabolic syndrome.

BACKGROUND

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) induces profound pancreatic damage characterised by oxidative stress and chronic inflammation.

OBJECTIVES

This study investigated the protective effects of L-citrulline (L-CIT) in the pancreas of a MetS animal model by evaluating oxidative stress responses, inflammatory cytokines, interferon gamma (IFN-γ), aldose reductase (AKR1B1), glucose kinase-3β, abdominal fat and body weight.

METHODS

The animals (Wistar rats; Rattus norvegicus) were divided into five groups (n = 6), three of which received MetS induction via a 20% fructose solution and received oral L-CIT at escalating doses (200, 400, or 800 mg/kg). Group 1 served as the normal control, while group 2 served as the negative control (20% fructose solution). Post-treatment, pancreas samples were collected for biochemical analysis to determine the dose-dependent effects of L-CIT.

RESULTS

Pancreatic oxidative stress was significantly reduced (P< 0.05) in the L-CIT-treated groups vs the MS-untreated group. TNF-ɑ, IL-1β and IL-6 were significantly reduced (P< 0.05) with L-CIT treatment vs the MS-untreated group. However, IL-10 was significantly increased (P < 0.05) in the L-CIT group compared with the MS-untreated group. Pancreatic IFN-γ was significantly (P< 0.05) reduced in the L-CIT groups compared to the MS-untreated group, whereas the changes in pancreatic BDNF were not statistically significant. Both pancreatic AKR1B1 and GSK-3β were significantly reduced (P< 0.05) in the groups given L-CIT vs the MS-untreated group. Abdominal fat and body weight were significantly lower (P< 0.05) in the L-CIT groups than in the MS-untreated group.

CONCLUSION

L-CIT holds promise as a therapeutic supplement for preserving pancreatic health in metabolic disease.