Effects of hirudotherapy on liver functions, lipid profile, and insulin sensitivity in rats with metabolic syndrome

BACKGROUND: Metabolic syndrome (METS) is a multifactorial cardiometabolic disorder characterized by abdominal obesity, insulin resistance, hypertension, dyslipidemia, and hyperglycemia, substantially increasing the risk of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. The variable effectiveness of lifestyle and pharmacological interventions has heightened interest in complementary approaches. Hirudotherapy, containing a wide range of bioactive compounds, may offer therapeutic benefits. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of hirudotherapy on metabolic parameters in a rat model of METS. METHODS: Twenty-four male Wistar rats were divided into four groups: Control (n = 6), METS (n = 6), METS + 4-week hirudotherapy (n = 6), and METS + 8-week hirudotherapy (n = 6). METS was induced through a modified high-fat and fructose-enriched diet. The effects of hirudotherapy on liver enzymes (AST, ALT), lipid profile (TG, LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol), hemodynamic parameters (systolic/diastolic blood pressure, mean arterial pressure, heart rate), glucose metabolism (OGTT, AUC), and liver histopathology were assessed. Pellet and water intake were monitored to evaluate possible influences on appetite regulation. RESULTS: Hirudotherapy demonstrated hepatoprotective activity, yielding significant reductions in AST and ALT levels (p < 0.05). TG levels increased in METS, while LDL cholesterol showed partial improvement and HDL cholesterol remained unchanged. Systolic blood pressure significantly decreased in the hirudotherapy-treated groups, with no significant differences in diastolic pressure or heart rate. OGTT and AUC analyses revealed improved glucose tolerance and reduced hyperglycemia following hirudotherapy (p < 0.05). Histopathology showed marked improvements in steatosis, sinusoidal dilatation, and hydropic degeneration, although minor hemorrhagic foci persisted. Differences in pellet consumption suggested a potential regulatory effect on appetite and metabolic balance. CONCLUSION: Hirudotherapy may exert beneficial effects in METS by improving liver function, modulating lipid metabolism, enhancing insulin sensitivity, and reducing inflammation. Its influence on food intake may further support metabolic homeostasis. These findings support hirudotherapy as a potential biotherapeutic approach and warrant further mechanistic and clinical investigations.

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Metabolic syndrome (METS) is a multifactorial cardiometabolic disorder characterized by abdominal obesity, insulin resistance, hypertension, dyslipidemia, and hyperglycemia, substantially increasing the risk of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular diseases.

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