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

To evaluate the efficacy of liraglutide with pioglitazone for prevention of dexamethasone induced hepatic steatosis, dyslipidemia and hyperglycemia in Albino rats. 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. 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). Liraglutide has comparable efficacy to pioglitazone in prevention of dexamethasone induced hepatomegaly, dyslipidemia and fasting hyperglycemia.