The Effect of Aqueous Extract of Launaea acanthodes on Liver Enzymes and Histopathology in Male Type 1 Diabetic Rats

Diabetes mellitus is a chronic disease recognized by a reduction in insulin secretion due to the malfunction of β-cells in the pancreas or an increase in the cells resistance to insulin. Also, diabetes can induce liver damage via oxidative stress. Considering the antioxidant and antidiabetic properties of the L. acanthodes, the aim of this study was to evaluate the aqueous extract effect of this plant on liver enzymes and histopathology in male type 1 diabetic rats.
In this experimental study, 28 male rats were divided into 4 equal groups: Control, diabetic control, and experimental diabetic treated with aqueous extract of L. acanthodes (100 and 300 mg/kg, ip). The diabetes in the diabetic control and the experimental diabetic groups was induced using an intraperitoneal injection of alloxan. Aqueous extract of L. acanthodes was intraperitoneally injected into the experimental diabetic groups, alternate days for one month. Distilled water was injected to the animals of the control and diabetic control groups. At the end of injection, the serum levels of liver ALT (alanine aminotransferase), AST (aspartate aminotransferase) and ALP (alkaline-phosphatase) enzymes were measured according to the international units per liter. Then, the liver sections were prepared and examined by means of light microscope. Data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA and Tukey post hoc test.
Compared to the diabetic control group, serum levels of ALT, AST, ALP and number of hepatocyte cells, kupffer cells and arteritis in the experimental diabetic groups treated with aqueous extract of L. acanthodes significantly decreased (p>0.05), which indicated the improvement of structure of damaged liver tissue in male diabetic rats.
Administration of L. acanthodes aqueous extract could attenuate serum level of liver enzymes and has protective effect against liver damage induced by diabetes.