The Therapeutic Role of Gastrodin in Combating Insulin Resistance, Inflammation, and Oxidative Stress Induced by Bisphenol-A

Abstract

Objective Insulin resistance is a key feature of, type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), and it has been linked to an environmental pollutant bisphenol-A (BPA). Gastrodin, a derivative of Chinese medicinal herb, has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that can potentially ameliorate BPA-induced insulin resistance in albino rats. Method The study involved five groups of six rats each, including normal control, BPA-treated, metformin-treated, and gastrodin plus BPA-treated groups Insulin sensitivity index, homeostasis model assessment- index of insulin resistance (HOMA IR), and fasting insulin levels were assessed. Using ELISA, the study measured protein levels, including High-Sensitivity C-reactive Protein (hs-CRP,) Glucose Transporter 1 (GLUT1), Interleukin-6 (IL-6), Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha (TNF-α), AMP-Activated Protein Kinase (AMPK), Inducible Nitric Oxide Synthase (iNOS), caspase-3, and Nuclear factor erythroid 2–related factor 2 (Nrf2), and analyzed factors like thiobarbituric acid reactive substances-malondialdehyde (TBARS-MDA), reduced glutathione, and catalase activity. Results BPA administration causes insulin resistance in albino rats, reducing insulin sensitivity. Gastrodin treatment attenuates resistance, improves glucose levels, and increased insulin sensitivity. Gastrodin also mitigates oxidative stress.by reducing reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and restoring antioxidant enzyme activities, while TBARS-MDA was reduced. Studied inflammatory indicators included; C-reactive protein, Tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α), and Interleukin 6. Notably, the administration of bisphenol-A caused a 2–3 fold increase in the serum levels of hs-CRP, TNF-α, and IL-6. All treatments by gastrodin (high and low doses) decreased these observed effects by bisphenol-A to values similar to the standard (metformin) and normal control rats. Gastrodin exerted its protective benefits via activating the AMPK/Nrf2 signaling pathway, increasing AMPK phosphorylation and Nrf2 nuclear translocation, resulting in improved cellular defense against oxidative stress. Indicators of possible inflammations on bisphenol-A treatment were also investigated. Conclusion This shows that gastrodin might be a promising therapeutic drug for the prevention and treatment of insulin resistance-related problems.