Acute Hepatic Dysfunction Induced by Sleep Deprivation: The Role of Quercetin Supplementation

Abstract

Background: Quercetin, a bioflavonoid found in fruits and vegetables, is widely distributed as a secondary metabolite in the plant kingdom. Its use as a food supplement has become popular. The liver is the main organ for metabolism of foods and drugs thus making it one of the organs mostly at risk of cellular damage. This study was therefore designed to evaluate the effect of quercetin supplement on blood glucose levels,liver enzyme activity and oxidative stress status in sleep deprived mice.
Methodology: Thirty mice were assigned into 5 groups (n=6): control group, model control group, two quercetin groups and positive control group. The mice were treated for 7 days and all groups except control were sleep deprived on day 5 through day 7. Following euthanization, blood samples were obtained for determination of blood glucose levels, liver function tests and biochemical assays. Histological analysis of liver tissues was carried out. Liver and adrenal glands were also harvested for weighing.
Results: The results obtained showed that sleep deprivation significantly increased blood glucose level and liver function parameters in mice with a concomitant reduction in antioxidant levels. However, quercetin significantly abrogated these effects and also normalized the relative organ weights of mice after sleep deprivation.
Conclusion: Quercetin showed a protective role against sleep deprivation induced alterations in liver function. The capability of quercetin to ameliorate the potential adverse effects of sleep deprivation in this study, suggest that quercetin might be a useful agent against hyperglycaemia and liver function impairment