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

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

MetS increased oxidative stress, TNF-α, liver enzymes, HOMA-IR, and ABP while reducing adiponectin and AMPK/PI3K. Vit D reversed these effects, suppressing GFAP/MMP9 and restoring metabolic balance.

Conclusion

Vit D mitigates MetS-induced liver damage via AMPK/PI3K activation, exerting antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.