Introduction: Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a prevalent chronic liver disease, which threatens the health of both adults and children. It is strongly associated with type 2 diabetes mellitus, obesity and insulin resistance. In the present study, we evaluate the effect of Stevia rebaudiana and exercise on fatty liver in T2DM.
Methods: Thirty two male Sprague Dawely rats were divided into normal control, diabetic, Stevia treated diabetic, and exercise treated diabetic rats. Biochemical parameters, oxidative stress markers, and histopathological examination for liver tissue were done.
Results: in diabetic group, blood glucose level, HOMA index, cholesterol level, triglycerides level, bilirubin level, liver enzymes (ALT& AST), and MDA were significantly increased. While insulin level, GSH, and CAT activity were significantly decreased when compared to normal control group. Biochemical parameters and Oxidative stress markers were improved in the treated groups, the improvement was more significant in exercise treated group than Stevia treated group. Histopathological examination confirmed our results.
Conclusion: Stevia rebaudiana and exercise could protect against liver injury induced by T2DM, as they improve glycemic state, liver enzymes, and oxidative stress markers.
Key words: NAFLD, T2DM, Stevia, Exercise.