Protective Metabolic Effects of Chickpea Sprout Against Obesity-Induced Insulin Resistance and Hypoestrogenism in Rats

Obesity and menopausal hypoestrogenism interact in a way that worsens insulin resistance and increases the risk of metabolic diseases. This study evaluated the effects of a diet composed of liquid chickpea sprouts (CS) on these problems. Sixty-four female Wistar rats were assigned to four experimental groups: a control group (Ctrl); a hypoestrogenic (HE) group, induced by ovariotomy; an obese (Ob) group, fed a high-sucrose diet; and a hypoestrogenic-obese (HE-Ob) group. Each group was subdivided into animals treated with chickpea sprouts (CS, 0.9 g/kg/day) or with a vehicle for four weeks. The results showed that CS significantly improved glucose tolerance and restored insulin sensitivity, normalizing the HOMA-IR index in both the Ob and HE-Ob groups. In addition, CS reduced serum triglycerides, reversed hepatic steatosis, and caused a favorable redistribution of adipose tissue, leading to decreased mesenteric fat accumulation. In conclusion, chickpea sprouts have protective metabolic effects by improving glucose homeostasis, reducing blood lipids, and mitigating liver damage in an estrogen-deficient model of obesity. These findings support the potential of chickpea sprouts as a dietary intervention to help prevent metabolic complications in obese postmenopausal women.