Study of the combined protective effect of adrenomedullin and exercise on induced fatty liver in male albino rats: A possible role of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-alpha

Background: Adrenomedullin (AM) is a key antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent vital for disease prevention throughout the body, while regular physical exercise helps prevent severe obesity and related complications like non-alcoholic fatty liver (NAFL). This study aimed to evaluate the protective effects of AM and regular exercise on fatty liver disease (FLD). Methods: This study involved 50 male rats divided into five groups: Group I received a normal diet for 8 weeks (control), Group II was given a high-fat high-cholesterol diet (HFHCD) to induce fatty liver, Group III received HFHCD plus daily subcutaneous adrenomedullin (50 ng/kg) for 8 weeks, Group IV received HFHCD plus moderate swimming exercise (1 hour/day, 5 days/week) for 6 weeks, and Group V received HFHCD along with both AM and exercise for 8 weeks. Results: In fatty liver-induced rats (GII): serum liver enzymes, lipid profile, hepatic MDA and NF-κB levels significantly increased, while hepatic PPAR-α and TAC significantly decreased compared to controls (GI). Treatment with A.M (GIII), exercise (GIV), or both (GV) significantly reversed these effects. GV showed the most improvement but not fully restoring levels to those of GI. Conclusions: AM and regular exercise together protect against FLD by reducing inflammation, fat content and liver damage.