Abstract
BackgroundThe prevalence of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is high. NAFLD is linked to obesity, diabetes mellitus, and hypertriglyceridemia. Approximately 20% of patients with NAFLD will eventually develop cirrhosis. Our purpose was to investigate whether resveratrol decreased hepatic steatosis in an animal model of steatosis, and whether this therapeutic approach resulted in a decrease in tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) production, lipid peroxidation and oxidative stress.MethodsMale Wistar CRL: Wi (Han) (225 g) rats were randomized into three groups. A control group (n = 12) was given free access to regular dry rat chow for 4 weeks. The steatosis (n = 12) and resveratrol (n = 12) groups were given free access to feed (a high carbohydrate-fat free modified diet) and water 4 days per week, and fasted for the remaining 3 days for 4 weeks. Rats in the resveratrol group were given resveratrol 10 mg daily by the oral route. All rats were killed at 4 weeks and assessed for fatty infiltration and bacterial translocation. Levels of TNF-α in serum, hepatic malondialdehyde (MDA), oxidative stress (superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, catalase and nitric oxide synthase) and biochemical parameters were measured.ResultsFat deposition was decreased in the resveratrol group as compared to the steatosis group (Grade 1 vs Grade 3, P < 0.05). TNF-α and MDA levels were significantly increased in the steatosis group (TNF-α; 33.4 ± 5.2 vs 26.24 ± 3.47 pg/ml and MDA; 9.08 ± 0.8 vs 3.17 ± 1.45 μM respectively, P < 0.05). This was accompanied by increased superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase and catalase and decreased nitric oxide synthase in the liver of resveratrol group significantly (P < 0.05 vs steatosis group). Bacterial translocation was not found in any of the groups. Glucose levels were decreased in the group of rats given resveratrol (P < 0.05).ConclusionResveratrol decreased NAFLD severity in rats. This effect was mediated, at least in part, by TNF-α inhibition and antioxidant activities.
Highlights
The prevalence of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is high
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is characterized by histological changes similar to those seen in subjects with alcoholic hepatitis but in whom alcohol intake is absent or poorly significant
Our purpose was to investigate first whether resveratrol decreased hepatic steatosis in an animal model of steatosis, and second, whether this therapeutic approach resulted in a decrease in tumor necrosis factor D (TNF-D) production and oxidative stress
Summary
The prevalence of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is high. Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is characterized by histological changes similar to those seen in subjects with alcoholic hepatitis but in whom alcohol intake is absent or poorly significant. Factors promoting NAFLD development include obesity and diabetes. NAFLD prevalence in severe obesity is greater than 30% [2,3] Because of all these reasons, it is important to have animal models that allow us to study the effect of different substances on NAFLD. The potential mechanisms responsible for its biological activities include downregulation of the inflammatory response through inhibition of the synthesis and release of pro-inflammatory mediators, modification of eicosanoid synthesis, inhibition of Kupffer cells and adhesion molecules, inhibition of inducible nitric oxide synthase and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) via its inhibitory effects on nuclear factor (kappa)B (NF-kB) or the activator protein-1 (AP-1) (5,6). Resveratrol was seen to decrease the liver lesions and transaminase elevations caused by alcohol in mice [7]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
