Effect of Roselle Flower Extract (Hibiscus sabdariffa Linn.) on Reducing Steatosis and Steatohepatitis in Vitamin B12 Deficiency Rat Model

Background and Objectives: Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) can occur as a result of micronutrient deficiencies. Hibiscus sabdarifa, a plant used in traditional medicine, contains ingredients that can help prevent this process. This study looked at the potency of Hibiscus sabdariffa Ethanol Extract (HSE) to prevent homocysteine-induced liver damage in animals that were deficient in vitamin B12. Materials and Methods: A comparative study of the effects of roselle extract is presented in an experimental design. Thirty Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into six groups using randomization. To demonstrate the absence of liver damage in the experimental animals under normal conditions, a control group was fed a normal diet without HSE. For the induction of liver damage in the experimental animals, the vitamin B12-restricted group was administered a vitamin B12-restricted diet. To test the effect of HSE on liver damage, the treatment group was given HSE along with a vitamin B12-restricted diet. Each group was given two treatment periods of eight and sixteen weeks. These results were compared with the results of the parameter examination between the vitamin B12 restriction group, with and without HSE, using an ANOVA statistic. The data were analyzed with licensed SPSS 20.0 software. Results: HSE significantly increased the blood levels of vitamin B12 while lowering homocysteine levels. The administration of HSE reduced liver damage based on the activity of liver function enzymes in the plasma due to a limitation of vitamin B12. HSE decreased Sterol Regulatory Element-Binding Protein-1c (SREBP1c) and Nuclear Factor Kappa B (NFkB) protein expressions in the liver tissue, but did not decrease Glucose-Regulated Protein 78 (GRP78) protein expression. Significantly, the levels of Tumor Necrosis Factor alpha (TNF-a) and IL-6 in the liver tissue were lower, while the levels of IL-10 and Nuclear factor-erythroid-2 Related Factor 2 (NRF2) were higher with HSE administration. HSE produced a better histopathological profile of the Hematoxylin and Eosin (H&E)-Masson tricrome for inflammation, fat and fibrosis in the liver. Conclusions: In this study, HSE was found to slow the development of liver damage in experimental animals that were given a vitamin B12-deficient diet.

Low vitamin B12 diet increases liver homocysteine levels and leads to liver steatosis in rats

Background Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is one of the most widespread chronic liver diseases, caused by the development of insulin resistance. One of the mechanisms involved is a disturbance in insulin signaling by certain toxic substances that interact with one of the proteins responsible for the insulin signaling pathway. Increased homocysteine level, upon disruption of the methionine pathway, is associated with insulin resistance. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of hyperhomocysteinemia and insulin resistance (HOMA-IR level) induced by dietary vitamin B12 restriction on liver steatosis. Methods A study of laboratory experimental design was conducted involving 18 male Sprague Dawley rats (age 36-40 weeks, BW 300-350 g), that were randomly divided into 3 groups: control, 8-week treatment, and 16-week treatment. Standard AIN-93 diet was administered to the control group, whereas rats in the treatment groups were fed vitamin B12 deficiency-AIN-93M. At the end of treatment, liver homocysteine levels were determined by ELISA, HOMA-IR values were calculated, and steatosis degree of the liver was determined histologically. Statistical analysis was performed using independent t-test. Results A significant increase in liver homocysteine levels was found between the control and both the 8- and 16-week treatment groups (p<0.001). HOMA-IR levels were significantly higher in both treatment groups compared to controls (p<0.001). The area of liver steatosis in both treatment groups was significantly larger than that of the control group (p<0.001). Conclusion Increased homocysteine levels due to dietary vitamin B12 deficiency induces liver steatosis due to insulin resistance in rats.