Naringin improves hepatic redox homeostasis and attenuates NF-κB-associated inflammation in high-fat diet–fed and streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats

OBJECTIVE: This study investigated the antihyperglycaemic, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory effects of naringin in high-fat diet (HFD)-fed and low-dose streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats. METHODS: Naringin and glibenclamide were administered for 45 days following diabetes mellitus (DM) induction. Blood glucose levels, plasma insulin levels, insulin tolerance, hepatic lipid peroxidation, antioxidant defences, inflammatory markers, and liver and pancreatic histopathology were evaluated. RESULTS: HFD-fed and STZ-induced diabetic rats exhibited hyperglycaemia, reduced insulin levels, increased lipid peroxidation, impaired antioxidant defences, and elevated expression of NF-κB p65, TNF-α, and IL-6. Naringin treatment significantly reduced blood glucose levels and increased plasma insulin levels. It also reduced lipid peroxidation, improved enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidant defences, and attenuated inflammatory marker expression at both the mRNA and protein levels. Histopathological analysis further revealed improvements in hepatic and pancreatic tissue architecture. CONCLUSION: Naringin ameliorated hyperglycaemia, hepatic oxidative stress, and NF-κB-associated inflammation in HFD-fed and STZ-induced diabetic rats. These findings suggest that naringin may protect against DM-associated hepatic complications, warranting further investigation into its therapeutic potential and clinical relevance.