Introduction: In developed countries, obesity and iron deficiency are frequently encountered nutritional disorders. Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a global health problem. Hepcidin is a peptide produced mainly by hepatocytes and adipocytes, which are responsible for iron metabolism, immunity, and inflammatory regulation. Curcumin, the active ingredient of turmeric.
Aim of the Work: Assess the role of hepcidin in iron homeostasis and its effects on fatty liver in albino rats with HFD-induced obesity. Also explore the protective role of curcumin on hepcidin-related obesity associated disorders.
Materials and Methods: Thirty adult male albino rats were divided into three groups: group I: consumed normal diet, group II: consumed high-fat diet (HFD) and group-III curcumin-treated group was fed a high-fat diet supplemented with curcumin. Body Mass Index (BMI), abdominal circumference (AC), lipid profile & some iron parameters were measured. Also, adipose-tissue-expressed hepcidin, interleukin 6 (IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) were measured by real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Hepatic tissues were stained with hematoxylin and eosin (H&E), Masson trichrome (MT) and examined microscopically. Expression levels of BAX proteins were detected by immunohistochemistry.
Results: The HFD significantly stimulated adipose tissue expression of hepcidin, IL-6, and TNF-α. The HFD group had low serum iron, transferrin saturation levels and high serum ferritin. There was a significant correlation between hepcidin expression in adipose tissue and IL-6 and TNF-α expression in the HFD group. Non-alcoholic fatty liver was also identified in HFD-induced obesity group. Treatment with curcumin significantly improved the above mentioned parameters.
Conclusion: Hepcidin expression in dipose tissue plays a significant role in functional iron deficiency and non-alcoholic fatty liver in obese albino rats that are improved by curcumin which has antiobesity, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory effects.