Background: The liver has an essential role in the metabolism and detoxification of various metabolites and drugs so it is liable to injury. Long-term use of dexamethasone may cause hepatic injury and insulin resistance. Garlic contains a variety of effective compounds that exhibit antioxidant, hypo-cholesterolemic, hypoglycemic, antithrombotic, antibiotic, anticancer, as well as hypotensive activities.
Objective: To study the effect of garlic water extract on hepatic toxicity and insulin resistance induced by dexamethasone in adult male albino rats.
Materials and Methods: Twenty-four adult male albino rats of a local strain were divided into three equal groups, group 1 [control group], group 2 [dexamethasone-treated group], and group 3 [dexamethasone and garlic-treated group]. After two weeks from the onset of the experiment serum was isolated from blood samples for assessment of Alanine Transaminase [ALT], Aspartate Transaminase [AST], serum albumin, Alkaline Phosphatase [ALP], total bilirubin, fasting blood glucose [FBG], and Fasting insulin level. Homeostasis Model Assessment for Insulin Resistance [HOMA-IR] was then calculated. Samples of the liver were taken for histopathological studies.
Results: There was a significant elevation in ALT, AST, ALP, and total bilirubin and a significant reduction in serum albumin in the dexamethasone-treated group when compared with the control group. ALT, AST, ALP, and total bilirubin significantly improved in the dexamethasone and garlic extract-treated group. Also, there was a significant elevation in FBS, insulin level, and HOMA-IR in the dexamethasone-treated group when compared with the control group. These parameters were significantly decreased in the dexamethasone and garlic extract-treated group when compared with the dexamethasone-only treated group.
Conclusion: Garlic water extract showed a potential protective effect against dexamethasone-induced liver injury and insulin resistance.