PROTECTIVE ROLE OF 2’,6’- DIHYDROXYACETOPHENONE IN MITIGATING DIABETES- DRIVEN HEPATIC INJURY IN RATS

Abstract

Background: Naturally derived compounds with antioxidant and hepatoprotective potential are being actively explored. 2′,6′-Dihydroxyacetophenone (DHDA), a phenolic compound, has shown antioxidant properties, but its role in diabetic liver injury remains inadequately investigated. Aim and objectives: This study aimed to assess the protective effects of DHDA on diabetes-induced liver injury in a rat model. Materials and methods: Acute toxicity was conducted by using mice. Diabetes was induced in Wistar rats using streptozotocin (STZ) following nicotinamide(NA) pretreatment. Animals were divided into four groups: normal control, diabetic control, DHDA at dose of 30 mg/kg, and DHDA at dose 60 mg/kg. DHDA was administered orally for three weeks. Fasting blood glucose (FBG), body weight,  food intake and,  water intake  were evaluated. In addition, the biochemical parameters, in-Vitro antioxidant and the histopathology of liver were analyzed. Result: 300 mg/kg is the safe dose of DHDA. DHDA significantly reduced FBG and glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c)  levels in diabetic rats. Elevated liver enzymes and oxidative stress markers were markedly attenuated, while endogenous antioxidant defences were restored, particularly at dose  of 60 mg/kg. In vitro assays confirmed dose-dependent free radical scavenging activity. Histopathological examination showed notable improvement in hepatic architecture. Conclusion: DHDA exhibits significant antihyperglycaemic, antioxidant, and hepatoprotective effects in diabetic rats, highlighting its potential as a therapeutic candidate for diabetes-associated liver injury.