Abstract
To investigate the mechanisms by which Moringa oleifera leaves (ML) modulate hepatic lipids, guinea pigs were allocated to either control (0% ML), 10% Low Moringa (LM) or 15% High Moringa (HM) diets with 0.25% dietary cholesterol to induce hepatic steatosis. After 6 weeks, guinea pigs were sacrificed and liver and plasma were collected to determine plasma lipids, hepatic lipids, cytokines and the expression of genes involved in hepatic cholesterol (CH) and triglyceride (TG) metabolism. There were no differences in plasma lipids among groups. A dose-response effect of ML was observed in hepatic lipids (CH and TG) with the lowest concentrations in the HM group (p < 0.001), consistent with histological evaluation of lipid droplets. Hepatic gene expression of diglyceride acyltransferase-2 and peroxisome proliferator activated receptor-γ, as well as protein concentrations interleukin (IL)-1β and interferon-γ, were lowest in the HM group (p < 0.005). Hepatic gene expression of cluster of differentiation-68 and sterol regulatory element binding protein-1c were 60% lower in both the LM and HM groups compared to controls (p < 0.01). This study demonstrates that ML may prevent hepatic steatosis by affecting gene expression related to hepatic lipids synthesis resulting in lower concentrations of cholesterol and triglycerides and reduced inflammation in the liver.
Highlights
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is characterized by a variety of liver conditions ranging from hepatic steatosis, to non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) [1] which, if untreated, can lead to further complications such as hepatic fibrosis, cirrhosis or cancer, and even death [2,3]
2 a a a In this study, we have demonstrated that Moringa leaves (ML) effectively attenuates hepatic steatosis in guinea a pigs, leading to the lowering of hepatic lipids and inflammatory markers
This could potentially be a consequence of the ingestion of more bioactive 1 b b b compounds present in ML, such as quercetin and chlorogenic acid (CGA), which have been shown to alter gene b b expression of major regulators of hepatic cholesterol and TG synthesis and uptake [32,33]
Summary
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is characterized by a variety of liver conditions ranging from hepatic steatosis, to non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) [1] which, if untreated, can lead to further complications such as hepatic fibrosis, cirrhosis or cancer, and even death [2,3]. Moringa oleifera Lam is a softwood tree original from the Himalayas and Northern India, which has been investigated for its uses in human health [8] Many parts of this plant (leaves, immature pods, flowers and fruits) are edible and are used for their nutritional content in many countries [9]. The leaves of the Moringa, the most utilized part of the plant, are characterized by having a great number of bioactive compounds including vitamins, carotenoids, polyphenols (phenolic acids and flavonoids) [10]. For this reason, Moringa leaves (ML) have been used to treat a number of conditions including insulin resistance, cardiovascular disease, hepatic steatosis, cancer and others [11]
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