The Protective Effects of Trehalose on Gene Expression Linked to Oxidative Stress and Inflammation in Liver Tissue of Adult and Aged Wistar Rats

Background: Aging is associated with chronic diseases and increased oxidative stress, particularly affecting liver function. Aging is linked to chronic diseases and heightened oxidative stress, particularly impacting liver function. Recent research has demonstrated that oral administration of trehalose offers multiple benefits for various tissues and organs. Methods: This study investigated the effects of oral trehalose (2% in water) on the gene expression of key markers linked to liver oxidative stress and inflammation in 4-month-old adult and 24-month-old Wistar rats. Thirty-two male Wistar rats (n=8) were randomly assigned into four groups: adult control, aged control, adult trehalose (2% in water), and aged trehalose, over a treatment period of one month. Following treatment, liver tissues were analyzed using real-time PCR for genes related to oxidative stress (PGC-1α, NRF2, and SOD) and inflammation (NF-κB, IL-1β, TNF-α, and TGF-β). Results: Our findings revealed a significant up-regulation of PGC-1α, NRF2, and SOD in aged trehalose group compared to the aged control (P<0.001); however, SOD expression increased by trehalose administration in aged rats compared to other 3 groups. Inflammatory markers (NF-κB, IL-1β, TNF-α) were significantly reduced by trehalose, and TGF-β expression, involved in fibrosis, was attenuated exclusively in aged rats compared with controls (P<0.05). Conclusion: These results suggest that trehalose has a protective effect on hepatic function, particularly in the aging population, and highlight its potential therapeutic role in age-associated liver dysfunction.