Modulatory Effects of in-utero Azadirachta indica Leaf Meal on Hepatic Function, Lipid Profiles, Oxidative Balance, and Lipase Enzyme Dynamics in Wistar Rat Offspring

Background and Objective: The absence of information on how prenatal exposure to Azadirachta indica leaf meal affects offspring’s hepatic function, lipid metabolism, and oxidative balance is addressed in this study. This study investigated the impact of dried Azadirachta indica(AI) leaf powder on liver function, lipid metabolism, and oxidative status during pregnancy in the offspring of Wistar rats. Materials and Methods: Twelve male Wistar rats and 18 pregnant Wistar rats were used in the in vivo experimental design of the investigation. Throughout their gestation, pregnant rats were given either a regular diet or diets supplemented with different concentrations of dried leaf meal (DLM) from Azadirachta indica. Offspring were evaluated postnatally for oxidative balance, lipase activity, lipid profiles, and hepatic function. They were divided into four groups: Treated males (TM), treated females (TF), control males (CM), and control females (CF). Biochemical assays were used to analyse the tissues of the liver and blood. The ANOVA and Tukey’s post-hoc tests were used to analyse the data, and p<0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: The TM and TF exhibited significantly decreased levels (p<0.05) of liver enzymes, Triglycerides (TG), and Low-Density Lipoprotein (LDL), along with significantly increased levels (p<0.05) of High-Density Lipoprotein (HDL), liver lipase (HL), and lipoprotein lipase (LPL) when compared to controls. Additionally, superoxide dismutase (SOD), reduced glutathione (GSH), and catalase (CAT) levels significantly increased in TM and TF, while the lipid peroxidation marker malonaldehyde (MDA) significantly decreased in these groups compared to controls. Conclusion: Overall, this study offers promising evidence that Azadirachta indicasupplementation during pregnancy may benefit the health of offspring, particularly concerning liver function and lipid regulation. These findings encourage future research exploring the potential of unique compounds like Azadirachta indicain supporting maternal and foetal health and preventing future metabolic disorders.