Comparison between Metformin and Fragment 176-191 Peptide as an Anti-Obesity Agent and Measurement of Some Biochemical Parameters in Male Albino Rats

Abstract

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of both metformin and Fragment 176–191 on White Albino rats after inducing obesity over 37 days using a high-fat diet. Once the desired weight gain was achieved, metformin was administered at doses of 500 and 750 mg/kg, while Fragment 176–191 was injected at 60 and 80 µg/kg for 28 days. Initial results showed that both treatments caused a significant reduction in body weight compared to control groups. Additionally, the study assessed the impact of different doses on serum lipid levels. Metformin didn't show clear differences in total cholesterol, whereas Fragment 176–191 lowered total cholesterol. Both compounds successfully reduced triglyceride (TG) levels, while high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) concentrations decreased across all treated groups. Regarding liver enzymes, the high-dose metformin group (750 mg/kg) exhibited a marked reduction in ALT levels, while Fragment 176–191 didn't show significant changes. No significant differences were recorded in AST levels among any of the groups, indicating that both compounds are safe for the liver.