Uncaria tomentosa (cat claw) Counteracts Chronic Fipronil-induced Endocrine Disruption Induced Insulin Resistance and Hepatic Damage in Male Albino Rats

The current study investigated the ability of Uncaria tomentosa (cat claw) to counteract fipronil (FIP) induced metabolic abnormalities.  A total of 20 male adult albino rats were randomly divided into 4 groups (5 rats each). Control rats received only dis. water, Uncaria group was treated by dietary Uncaria 5g/kg, fipronil group rats treated with 3.23 mg/kg of FIP, and fipronil and Uncaria co-treated group was given 3.23 mg/kg FIP with 5g/kg dietary Uncaria.  The doses were given every day for consecutive 12 weeks. Body weight, food intake and food conversion ratio (FCR) were determined. Blood samples were collected for estradiol and lipid profile estimation. Plasma liver enzymes were assayed. .Glucose and insulin were determined for Homa IR calculation. Liver tissues and abdominal fat were fixed for histopathological examinations. FIP-treated rats had no influence on body weight gain however, it increased (P<0.05) the food conversion ratio than other groups. Estradiol level was significantly (P<0.05) reduced by FIP however Uncaria ameliorated this decrease. Rats administrated FIP exhibited significantly higher cholesterol, triglycerides (TG), low-density lipoproteins (LDL) and liver enzymes (AST, and ALT) more than those in the other groups while it decreased (P<0.05) high-density lipoproteins (HDL). FIP produced a significant increase in insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) that was ameliorated by Uncaria. The liver of FIP-treated rats revealed vacuolar degeneration, lymphocytic infiltration and focal necrosis. Moreover, FIP increased diameter of fat cells. Uncaria combated FIP induced insulin resistance, liver damage and adiposity. Cat claw could effectively protect against metabolic disruption induced by FIP.