Hepatocellular Meliorative Effect of Quercetin on Stz-Induced Rat

Abstract Hepatocellular dysfunction and injury remain prevalent complications associated with metabolic disorders, particularly diabetes mellitus, which is often modeled in experimental research using streptozotocin (STZ)-induced hepatotoxicity. This study investigates the potential hepatoprotective effects of quercetin, a naturally occurring flavonoid with known antioxidant properties, against STZ-induced hepatic damage in animal models. We assessed the biochemical and histopathological modifications in the liver following STZ administration, focusing on markers of oxidative stress, inflammatory cytokines, and liver enzyme levels. Quercetin was administered either pre-emptively or post-STZ treatment to evaluate its efficacy in ameliorating hepatocellular degeneration. Results demonstrated that quercetin significantly reduced elevated serum levels of aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT), restored liver morphology, and mitigated oxidative stress markers compared to the STZ group. Additionally, quercetin positively influenced the expression of key antioxidant enzymes, including superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase. These findings suggest that quercetin exerts a protective effect on hepatocytes by counteracting oxidative damage and inflammation, positioning it as a potential therapeutic agent for managing liver injuries associated with diabetes mellitus and STZ-induced pathology. Further investigation into its mechanisms of action and clinical applicability in human subjects is warranted.