Barley Sprouts May Have a Hepatoprotective Effect by Reducing Oxidative Stress in Habitual Alcohol Drinkers: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study

Abstract

Abstract Objectives Heavy alcohol consumption is a significant contributor to the development of liver damage encompassing fatty liver disease due to impaired lipid metabolism and an inflammatory process. One of the most important therapeutic strategies for this disease is modulating oxidative stress. Barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) sprouts contain a high content of saponarin that protects against oxidative stress and inflammation. This study aimed to investigate whether barley sprouts (BS) affects liver damage by modulating oxidative stress in habitual alcohol drinkers with fatty liver. Methods A randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial was performed with two arms. Seventy-six eligible subjects were randomly assigned to either placebo or BS (480 mg/d). We measured liver fat content, liver enzymes, and antioxidant capacity at baseline and after 12 weeks of follow up. To understand the underlying mechanism, we also performed a plasma metabolomic analysis. Results BS administration for 12 weeks significantly reduced liver enzyme levels and increased glutathione-s-transferase activity compared with the placebo group. Further analysis is needed to elucidate the endogenous metabolic changes induced by BS administration. Conclusions These findings suggest that BS administration may have the potential to protect the hepatic injury by reducing oxidative stress in habitual alcohol drinkers with fatty liver. Funding Sources This work was supported by the Bio-Synergy Research Project (NRF-2012M3A9C4048761) from the Ministry of Science, ICT, and Future Planning, and the BK21PLUS (Brain Korea 21 plus) program (22a20130012143) from the Ministry of Education, Republic of Korea.