Histomorphological Evaluation of the Hepato-Cardiac Protective Effects of Malus domestica Juice in Rats Exposed to an Obesogenic Diet

Cardiometabolic disorders, including hepatic steatosis, insulin resistance, and cardiovascular diseases, represent major public health challenges, frequently associated with Western diets high in fats, carbohydrates, and proteins.Dietary polyphenols, particularly those found in apples, have shown promising protective effects against metabolic and cardiovascular dysfunctions.This study investigated the therapeutic potential of apple juice in female Wistar rats subjected to a diet-induced model of metabolic syndrome.The animals were randomly divided into three groups: a control group (C) fed a standard chow diet; a group fed a high-carbohydrate, high-fat, and high-protein diet (HCHFP; 60 % fat, 30 % carbohydrates, and 9 % protein) for eight weeks; and a third group (HCHFP + A) receiving the same diet, supplemented orally with fresh apple juice (Malus domestica) (15 mL/kg/day) during the final 30 days of the experimental period.Biochemical parameters were assessed in plasma and tissues to evaluate lipid and glucose metabolism, oxidative stress (MDA, AOPP, SOD, CAT), inflammatory markers (NO, MCP-1, TNF-), and metabolic regulators (AMPK).Histological examinations of hepatic and cardiac tissues were also performed.Apple juice supplementation significantly improved lipid and glycemic profiles, enhanced antioxidant enzyme activities, reduced inflammation, and alleviated hepatic steatosis and myocardial damage.These findings highlight the potential of apple juice as a functional nutritional intervention with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and metabolic regulatory properties against diet-induced cardiometabolic disorders.