Biochanin-A attenuates high-fat diet and streptozotocin-induced hyperlipidemia and oxidative stress in rats by improving antioxidant status and lipid metabolic markers

Objective: To determine how biochanin-A (BCA) affects high-fat diet and streptozotocin-induced pathological changes in lipid metabolism and antioxidant status in diabetic rats. Methods: Diabetic rats were orally administered BCA (10 mg/kg body weight) for 30 days to investigate its effects on lipid profiles and oxidative stress markers in the liver and kidney. In addition, the mRNA expression of antioxidant and lipid metabolism enzymes in the liver was examined. Results: BCA attenuated hyperlipidemia by regulating mRNA expressions of HMG-CoA reductase, fatty acid synthase, carnitine palmitoyl transferase, and acetyl-CoA carboxylase. Additionally, BCA reduced high-fat diet and streptozotocin-induced oxidative stress by suppressing lipid peroxidation, improving superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase levels, and upregulating mRNA expressions of these enzymes. Conclusions: BCA may be a promising nutraceutical for the treatment of dyslipidemia and oxidative stress associated with diabetes.