Randomized trial investigates Malus floribunda effects on insulin resistance in rats, suggesting a potential therapeutic alternative.
Key Points
The study aims to explore the effects of Malus floribunda extract on insulin resistance caused by letrozole in a rat model of PCOS.
60 female Sprague-Dawley rats were allocated into five groups: Healthy Control, IR, IR + Metformin (300 mg/kg), IR + MF250, and IR + MF500.
Treatments were administered orally for 15 days with assessments of insulin, HOMA-IR, lipid profile, and hormones.
Histological and immunohistochemical analyses were performed to evaluate insulin signaling components in muscle and adipose tissues.
The IR group showed increased insulin, HOMA-IR, testosterone, triglycerides, LDL, and total cholesterol (p<0.001), with decreased HDL and estrogen levels.
Treatment with M. floribunda at 500 mg/kg improved insulin levels (p<0.001), HOMA-IR (p<0.001), and overall metabolic parameters.
IHC analysis revealed that treatment restored expression of InR, IRS-1, and IRS-2 compared to the IR group.