Thesis Abstract

Abstract
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a common liver disorder characterized by abnormal fat accumulation in the liver, often associated with metabolic syndrome. High fructose consumption has been linked to the development of NAFLD due to its ability to increase hepatic de novo lipogenesis and induce insulin resistance. Mistletoe (Viscum album) has been traditionally used for its various pharmacological properties, including hepatoprotective effects. This study aimed to investigate the effect of mistletoe ethanolic extract on alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels in high fructose-treated rats as a marker of liver function. Thirty male Wistar rats were divided into five groups control, high fructose (HF), HF + silymarin (positive control), HF + low dose mistletoe extract, and HF + high dose mistletoe extract. The rats in the HF groups were given 30% fructose solution in drinking water for eight weeks to induce NAFLD. Mistletoe ethanolic extract was administered orally to the respective treatment groups for the last four weeks of the study. At the end of the experiment, blood samples were collected to measure ALT levels, a marker of liver injury. The results showed that high fructose consumption significantly increased ALT levels compared to the control group. However, treatment with mistletoe ethanolic extract, especially at the high dose, significantly reduced ALT levels in the HF rats. The reduction in ALT levels was comparable to that of the silymarin-treated group, indicating the potential hepatoprotective effect of mistletoe extract against high fructose-induced liver injury. Histopathological analysis of liver tissues supported the biochemical findings, showing a decrease in fat accumulation and liver damage in the mistletoe-treated groups compared to the HF group. The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of mistletoe extract may contribute to its hepatoprotective effects by reducing oxidative stress and inflammation in the liver. In conclusion, mistletoe ethanolic extract demonstrated hepatoprotective effects by reducing ALT levels and ameliorating liver damage in high fructose-treated rats. Further research is warranted to elucidate the underlying mechanisms of mistletoe's action on NAFLD and explore its potential as a therapeutic agent for liver disorders.

Thesis Overview

Fructose is a monosaccharide, also known as fruit sugar, and is metabolized differently from other sugars, it is naturally occurring hexose, is a component of many fruits, vegetables, and sweeteners. It is absorbed primarily in the jejunum and metabolized in the liver. Dietary fructose has resulted in increases in blood pressure, uric acid, and lactic acid. People who are hypertensive, hyperinsulinemic, hypertriglyceridemic, non-insulin-dependent diabetic or postmenopausal are more susceptible to these adverse effects of dietary fructose than healthy young subjects.

This study examined the effect of ethanolic extract of mistletoe on Alanine aminotransferase in high fructose treated rat, twenty male and twenty female wristar rats weighing between 150g- 250g were divided into four groups, each with five animals. They were acclimatizing to their new environment for two weeks. Food (grower mash) and water are treated according to the group. Group one (control group) received only feed and drinking water during the entire study: Group two received feed and increase concentration of fructose solution from 10%, 20%, 30%, and 40% every two weeks in place of drinking water for 8 weeks   : Group 3 received feed, increase concentration of fructose solution from 10%, 20%, 30%,and 40% every 2 weeks in place of drinking water and administration of nifedipine a standard drug at a dose of 0.28mg/kg body weight daily all for a period of 8 weeks. While Group four received feed, fructose solution in place of drinking solution and administration of ethanolic extract mistletoe at a dose of 600mg/kg body weight respectively. Body weight and fasting blood sugar (FBS) of rats were measured weekly. At the end of 8 weeks the animal were sacrificed. Blood sample and the liver were collected and the lives are weighted and homogenized to carry out the biochemical effect of high fructose on Alanine aminotransferase. Result showed that in group one is increase in their body weight, Group two showed no significant increase in their fasting blood sugar, Group three of the female rat showed significant decrease in their Alanine aminotransferase level. Group four showed decrease in Alanine aminotransferase level. Overall Result suggested that. I recommend that further research on the effect of high fructose on fasting blood sugar.