Dielectric Spectroscopy as a Novel Diagnostic and Therapeutic Monitoring Tool in Apigenin-Mediated Reversal of Obesity-Associated Hepatic Dysfunction

Background Apigenin (APG), a natural flavonoid, exhibits diverse pharmacological properties, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and metabolic regulatory effects. This study investigated the therapeutic potential of APG in ameliorating nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and fibrosis in an obese rat model. Methods APG administration resulted in a dose-dependent attenuation of hepatic signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) and its phosphorylated form (p-STAT3), while significantly enhancing nuclear factor erythroid 2–related factor 2 (NRF2) expression. APG also markedly reduced plasma inflammatory markers, liver function enzyme levels, and body mass index (BMI) in obese rats. Results Antioxidant capacity was restored, as evidenced by elevated glutathione (GSH) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels, alongside a significant reduction in malondialdehyde (MDA), indicating decreased lipid peroxidation. Histological analysis confirmed reduced hepatic steatosis and fibrosis in APG-treated groups. Furthermore, dielectric spectroscopy was employed to assess membrane bioelectrical integrity. Obese rats exhibited impaired dielectric properties reduced dielectric constant and loss, increased real impedance, and elevated conductivity reflecting membrane instability, ion leakage, and disrupted charge transport. APG treatment reversed these alterations, with the high-dose group (50 mg/kg) showing near-complete normalization of dielectric parameters and improved charge mobility, as visualized through Nyquist plots. Conclusions These findings demonstrate that APG not only restores metabolic and antioxidant balance but also stabilizes membrane bioelectric function. Collectively, this highlights APG’s promise as a natural therapeutic agent for obesity-induced hepatic dysfunction, with dielectric spectroscopy offering a novel modality to monitor treatment efficacy.