Comparison of the efficacy of liraglutide with pioglitazone on dexamethasone induced hepatic steatosis, dyslipidemia and hyperglycaemia in albino rats

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the efficacy of liraglutide with pioglitazone for prevention of dexamethasone induced hepatic steatosis, dyslipidemia and hyperglycemia in Albino rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: There were four groups of six rats each. First group received dexamethasone alone in a dose of 8 mg/kg intraperitoneally for 6 days to induce metabolic changes and considered as dexamethasone control. Second group received liraglutide 1.8 mg/kg subcutaneously 6 days before dexamethasone and 6 days during dexamethasone administration. Third group received pioglitazone 45 mg/kg orally 6 days before dexamethasone and 6 days during dexamethasone administration. Fourth group did not receive any medication and was considered as normal control. Fasting blood sugar, lipid profile, blood sugar 2 h after glucose load were measured. Liver weight, liver volume, and histopathological analysis were done. RESULTS: Dexamethasone caused hepatomegaly, dyslipidemia, and hyperglycemia. Both pioglitazone and liraglutide significantly reduced hepatomegaly, dyslipidemia and hyperglycemia (P < 0.01). Reduction of blood sugar levels after glucose load was significant with pioglitazone when compared with liraglutide (P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: Liraglutide has comparable efficacy to pioglitazone in prevention of dexamethasone induced hepatomegaly, dyslipidemia and fasting hyperglycemia.