RETRACTED: Genistein improves liver function and attenuates non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in a rat model of insulin resistance (Retracted article. See vol. 14, pg. 228, 2022)

Background: The high fructose-fed rat is widely used as a model of insulin resistance. Genistein, a soy isoflavone, has been shown to improve insulin sensitivity in this model. The present study investigated whether genistein could prevent fatty liver disease in this model. Methods: Male Wistar rats were fed a diet containing starch (control) or 60% fructose (insulin-resistant model). Fifteen days later, rats in each dietary group were divided into two groups and were treated with either genistein (1 mg/kg per day) in dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO) or 30% DMSO alone. After 60 days, markers of liver injury, oxidative stress, interleukin (IL)-6, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha, lipids, lipoprotein profile, nitrite, and nitrosothiol in the plasma and liver were quantified. Liver sections were examined for 3-nitrotyrosine (3-NT) expression and pathological lesions. Results: Fructose-fed rats displayed hyperlipidemia, significant changes in plasma lipoprotein profile, and increases in IL-6 and TNF-alpha levels compared with control. In addition, the accumulation of lipids, liver injury, a decline in liver function, inactivation of the glyoxalase system, depletion of antioxidants, and increased 3-NT expression were observed in the fructose-fed group. Administration of genistein to fructose-fed rats significantly reduced these biochemical and histological abnormalities. Conclusions: Genistein activates the antioxidant profile, decreases IL-6 and TNF-alpha concentrations, prevents oxidative damage, and ameliorates fatty liver in insulin-resistant rats.