Cymene and Metformin treatment effect on biochemical parameters of male NMRI mice fed with high fat diet

BACKGROUND: The increasing prevalence of obesity is considered a serious global health threat. Mainly due to change of diet and reduced physical activity, obesity is an important risk factor for chronic diseases. A higher level of cytokines and a general inflammatory state has also been associated with this condition. With this regard, potential anti-obesity compounds with anti-inflammatory properties could be beneficial in better control of the disease. p-Cymene is a natural aromatic compound that has been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties, while the antidiabetic drug metformin has been observed to be effective as an aid for weight loss. In this study, the effect of these comounds was compared in a high fat diet treated mice model. METHODS: 48 adult NMRI mice were randomly divided into six groups: control group receiving a normal diet, high fat diet (HFD) fed control group, sham group receiving HFD and sunflower seed oil, Experimental group1 (E1) receiving HFD and 20 mg/kg metformin, Experimental group2 (E2) receiving 20 mg/kg metformin and 20 mg/kg p-cymene, Experimental group3 (E3) receiving 20 mg/kg p-cymene. Compounds were administered by intragastric gavage for 45 days. RESULTS: Non-fasting glucose serum levels, ALT, and ALP of E2 and E3 decreased significantly compared to HFD control group. In the E3 group, AST levels decrease was also significant. In E1, non-fasting glucose and TG serum levels decreased significantly compared to HFD control group. Histological observations on liver tissue showed an increase of lipid droplets in the HFD control group compared with the normal group, while upon treatment with the compounds, lipid droplets decreased and the cells appeared to be more ordered. CONCLUSION: p-Cymene has a potential to ameliorate biochemical parameters in high fat diet treated mice, and its concurrent use with metformin was effective.