Effects of conjugated linoleic acid on oxidative stress in rats with sucrose-induced non-alcoholic fatty liver disease

Abstract

The effect of CLA on hepatic oxidative stress and its relationship with the non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in rats was evaluated. Twenty-one days old Wistar rats were divided in two groups: the control group of six rats, which received a standard diet; and the sucrose group of 12 rats, which was given the same standard diet plus 30% sucrose in the drinking water. After 9weeks the animals of the sucrose group were divided in two sub-groups of six rats each: the vegetable oil group that was fed 7.5% sunflower oil in the diet, and the CLA group which received 1.5% CLA. After 8weeks the animals were sacrificed to obtain blood and liver tissue samples. Levels of oxidative stress markers: SOD, GSH, and catalase were measured in serum and liver homogenate and histological analysis was performed to recognize steatosis. Dietary CLA significantly decreased body fat, glutathione peroxidase, and superoxide dismutase in serum and liver. The histological analysis showed that, although CLA consumption was clearly beneficial, it did not entirely prevent sucrose-induced steatosis.