Pharmaceuticals
Dexamethasone-Induced Insulin Resistance and Hepatic Metabolic Dysfunction: Modulatory Effects of Montelukast on SGK1-Associated Signaling and NLRP3/Leukotriene-Related Responses
By Ahmad A. Alresheedi, Omnia A. Nour, Dalia H. El‐Kashef and 1 others.
Abstract
Background
Glucocorticoid-induced metabolic dysfunction and insulin resistance-related abnormalities are important complications associated with dexamethasone (DEX) exposure. This study investigated the protective effects of montelukast (MNT) against DEX-induced metabolic and hepatic disturbances and characterized associated oxidative, inflammatory, leukotriene-related, and insulin-signaling changes in rats.
Methods
Male Wistar rats were allocated to five groups receiving vehicle, MNT (20 mg/kg), DEX (8 mg/kg), or DEX combined with MNT (10 or 20 mg/kg). Glycemic parameters, oral glucose tolerance, lipid profile, liver function biomarkers, oxidative stress indices, inflammatory mediators, leukotriene-related markers, and hepatic histopathological and ultrastructural changes were assessed. Selected insulin-signaling and metabolic markers were evaluated using immunohistochemistry, ELISA-based assays, and Western blotting.