Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD)
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Recent papers in Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD)
Context: One of the world's most widespread and frequent liver diseases is the non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Aims: To evaluate the preventives activities of Ruzu herbal bitters (RHB), which is an anti-obesity therapeutic... more
Context: One of the world's most widespread and frequent liver diseases is the non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Aims: To evaluate the preventives activities of Ruzu herbal bitters (RHB), which is an anti-obesity therapeutic concoction used widely in Nigeria on high-fat diet (HFD) induced NAFLD in albino Wistar rats. Methods: A total number of twenty-five rats were isolated and divided equally into five groups. Group 1, the normal control group was placed on normal rat diet and normal saline (1 mL/kg body weight daily) for twelve weeks. The remaining four groups 2-5 were placed on HFD for twelve weeks; adding to the following treatment schedules by oral gavage: group 2 received pioglitazone 4 mg/kg daily, group 3 received RHB 0.6 mL/kg daily, group 4 received normal saline 1 mL/kg daily and group 5 received fenofibrate 10 mg/kg daily (s.c). The animals were sacrificed and biochemical markers of liver function, lipid profile, glycemic index, and histopathological assessment of the liver of the rats were determined. Results: Rat treated with RHB and other treated groups significantly (p<0.05) reduced the liver index, fasting blood glucose, and activities and concentrations of liver function enzymes and molecules when compared to untreated NAFLD group. Scoring of hepatic steatosis also showed the ameliorative role of the treatment on NAFLD. Conclusions: This study reveals that RHB and other treatment options assessed could prevent HFD-induced NAFLD and could be explored as another therapeutic approach to fenofibrate and pioglitazone in NAFLD management.
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is estimated to affect 25% of the worldwide population, and is the leading cause of chronic liver disease in developed countries. Genetic research on NAFLD has included heritability studies,... more
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is estimated to affect 25% of the worldwide population, and is the leading cause of chronic liver disease in developed countries. Genetic research on NAFLD has included heritability studies, candidate gene studies, familial aggregation studies, and genome-wide association studies (GWAS). Next-generation sequencing approaches, such as whole-genome sequencing and whole-exon sequencing, are emerging as the post-GWAS era of genetic research. However, GWAS remains more practical for elucidating the genetic factors related to NAFLD, which is affected by thousands of common genetic variants and does not follow Mendelian inheritance. In the present review, we summarize the current knowledge regarding five GWAS-identified genetic loci that are associated with NAFLD. We also discuss the relationships between NAFLD-predisposing polymorphisms and cardiovascular disease, and potential applications for these identified genetic loci.
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) encompasses a group of hepatic diseases that range in severity. NAFLD is increasingly recognized as an epidemic among different populations, including those in Africa and the Middle East. The... more
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) encompasses a group of hepatic diseases that range in severity. NAFLD is increasingly recognized as an epidemic among different populations, including those in Africa and the Middle East. The objective of this narrative review is to document the prevalence of and risk factors for NAFLD in Africa and the Middle East and the potential implications on the healthcare systems. An in-depth search on Google Scholar, Medline and PubMed was conducted using the terms " non-alcoholic fatty liver disease " and " non-alcoholic steatohepatitis " , in addition to " prevalence and risk factors for NAFLD " , with special emphasis on Africa and the Middle East countries. There were three types of epidemiological studies that included prevalence, risk factors and man-agement/complications of NAFLD. There was noticeable variation in the prevalence of NAFLD among different countries, based on the variation in the prevalence of risk factors (type 2 diabetes, obesity , metabolic syndrome and dyslipidemia) and the diagnostic tool used in the study. However, the highest prevalence rate was reported in some Middle East countries. In Africa, there were few studies about NAFLD and most reported variable prevalence rates. There is an increasing prevalence of NAFLD as a result of the increasing risk factors, particularly in the Middle East, while in Africa, the situation is still unclear. Health providers in these regions are faced with many challenges that need urgent plans.
The use of the products derived from the olive tree on human health dates back centuries. In several civilizations, the olive tree had and still has a very strong cultural and religious symbolism. Notably, the... more
The use of the products derived from the olive tree on human health dates back centuries. In several civilizations, the olive tree had and still has a very strong cultural and religious symbolism. Notably, the official seal and emblem of the World Health Organization features the rod of Asclepius over a world map surrounded by olive tree branches, chosen as a symbol of peace and health. Recently, accumulating experimental, clinical and epidemiological data have provided support to the traditional beliefs of the
beneficial effect provided by olive derivates. In particular, the polyphenols present in olive leaves, olives, virgin (unrefined) olive oil and olive mill waste are potent antioxidant and
radical scavengers with anti-tumor and anti-inflammatory properties. Here, we review the positive impact on human health of oleuropein, the most prevalent polyphenol present in olives. In addition, we provide data collected in our laboratory on the role of oleuropein in counteracting lipid accumulation in a mouse model of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.
beneficial effect provided by olive derivates. In particular, the polyphenols present in olive leaves, olives, virgin (unrefined) olive oil and olive mill waste are potent antioxidant and
radical scavengers with anti-tumor and anti-inflammatory properties. Here, we review the positive impact on human health of oleuropein, the most prevalent polyphenol present in olives. In addition, we provide data collected in our laboratory on the role of oleuropein in counteracting lipid accumulation in a mouse model of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.
- by Barbara Barbaro and +3
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- Health, Medicine, Antioxidants, Olive
Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) is a human incretin hormone derived from the proglucagon molecule. GLP-1 receptor agonists are frequently used to treat type 2 diabetes mellitus and obesity. However, the hormone affects the liver,... more
Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) is a human incretin hormone derived from the proglucagon molecule. GLP-1 receptor agonists are frequently used to treat type 2 diabetes mellitus and obesity. However, the hormone affects the liver, pancreas, brain, fat cells, heart, and gastrointestinal tract. The objective of this study was to perform a systematic review on the use of GLP-1 other than in treating diabetes. PubMed, Cochrane, and Embase were searched, and the PRISMA guidelines were followed. Nineteen clinical studies were selected. The results showed that GLP-1 agonists can benefit defined off-medication motor scores in Parkinson’s Disease and improve emotional well-being. In Alzheimer’s disease, GLP-1 analogs can improve the brain’s glucose metabolism by improving glucose transport across the blood–brain barrier. In depression, the analogs can improve quality of life and depression scales. GLP-1 analogs can also have a role in treating chemical dependency, inhibiting dopaminergic release in the brain’s reward centers, decreasing withdrawal effects and relapses. These medications can also improve lipotoxicity by reducing visceral adiposity and decreasing liver fat deposition, reducing insulin resistance and the development of non-alcoholic fatty liver diseases. The adverse effects are primarily gastrointestinal. Therefore, GLP-1 analogs can benefit other conditions besides traditional diabetes and obesity uses.
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most common chronic liver condition worldwide due to the global proliferation of obesity, which has become an insidious healthcare epidemic. While nonalcoholic fatty liver is recognized as a... more
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most common chronic liver condition worldwide due to the global proliferation of obesity, which has become an insidious healthcare epidemic. While nonalcoholic fatty liver is recognized as a multi-system disease, benign and pernicious in its unfolding, nonalcoholic steatohepatitis is the more severe form progressing from cirrhosis to hepatocellular carcinoma. Unfortunately, liver biopsy-beset by many limitations-is the only accurate diagnostic tool setting the benchmark for a plethora of non-invasive biomarkers which have so far proved limited in their reliability and take-up. As a result, we need better diagnostic and prognostic tools to aid in the identification and stratification of patients at risk of disease progression in order to enhance treatment and monitoring strategies. In this review, we explore the performance as well as pros and cons of three novel technologies that could have the potential to become the next generation in NAFLD diagnostic testing. To harness these technologies, however, we suggest that more work needs to be done to refine and validate the technology features under review, while suggesting ways in which personalized medicine could be mobilized to discover the next generation in non-invasive diagnostics.
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) embraces several forms of liver disorders involving fat disposition in hepatocytes ranging from simple steatosis to the severe stage, namely, non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). Recently,... more
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) embraces several forms of liver disorders involving fat disposition in hepatocytes ranging from simple steatosis to the severe stage, namely, non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). Recently, several experimental in vivo animal models for NAFLD/NASH have been established. However, no reproducible experimental animal model displays the full spectrum of pathophysiological, histological, molecular, and clinical features associated with human NAFLD/NASH progression. Although methionine-choline-deficient (MCD) diet and high-fat diet (HFD) models can mimic histological and metabolic abnormalities of human disease, respectively, the molecular signaling pathways are extremely important for understanding the pathogenesis of the disease. This review aimed to assess the differences in gene expression patterns and NAFLD/NASH progression pathways among the most common dietary animal models, i.e., HFD- and MCD diet-fed animals. Studies showed that the HFD and MCD diet could induce either up- or downregulation of the expression of genes and proteins that are involved in lipid metabolism, inflammation, oxidative stress, and fibrogenesis pathways. Interestingly, the MCD diet model could spontaneously develop liver fibrosis within two to four weeks and has significant effects on the expression of genes that encode proteins and enzymes involved in the liver fibrogenesis pathway. However, such effects in the HFD model were found to occur after 24 weeks with insulin resistance but appear to cause less severe fibrosis. In conclusion, assessing the abnormal gene expression patterns caused by different diet types provides valuable information regarding the molecular mechanisms of NAFLD/NASH and predicts the clinical progression of the disease. However, expression profiling studies concerning genetic variants involved in the development and progression of NAFLD/NASH should be conducted.
We discuss the present operational definition of fatty liver and its shortcomings.
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) exhibits sexual dimorphism, with men being more exposed than women to the risk of simple steatosis, nonalcoholic steatohepatitis fibrosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), while the protection... more
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) exhibits sexual dimorphism, with men being more exposed than women to the risk of simple steatosis, nonalcoholic steatohepatitis fibrosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), while the protection conferred to women seemingly disappears with aging and reproductive senescence (i.e., menopause). HCC, the most common primary liver cancer, which carries an ominous prognosis, may result from various genetic and non-genetic risk factors. NAFLD is now projected to become the most common cause of HCC. HCC also exhibits a definite sexual dimorphism in as much as it has a worldwide high male-to-female ratio. In this review article, we focus on sex differences in the epidemiological features of HCC. Moreover, we discuss sex differences in the clinical outcome and molecular pathobiology of NAFLD-HCC. By highlighting the research gaps to be filled, the aim of this review is to prompt future research of sex differences in HCC and facilitate developing personalized cancer prevention strategies, detection, and treatments to achieve better patient outcomes in NAFLD-HCC, considering sex differences in HCC pathobiology.
Background: The fruit of bitter melon (Momordica charantia L.) has traditionally been used as a crude drug to treat obesity and diabetes mellitus. Previously, we reported that an ethyl acetate (EtOAc)-soluble fraction of bitter melon... more
Background: The fruit of bitter melon (Momordica charantia L.) has traditionally been used as a crude drug to treat obesity and diabetes mellitus. Previously, we reported that an ethyl acetate (EtOAc)-soluble fraction of bitter melon fruit extract showed anti-inflammatory effects on interleukin-1β-treated rat hepatocytes. The liver plays a pivotal role to maintain homeostasis of glucose and lipid. It is speculated that the administration of an EtOAc-soluble fraction of a bitter melon fruit extract (BMFA) may change the expression profile of hepatic genes involved in inflammation, glucose metabolism, and lipid metabolism.
Objective: We aimed to evaluate the effects of BMFA on the gene expression in the liver of ob/ob mice, which are deficient in leptin and are used as a diabetes mellitus model. The changes may be related to hepatic steatosis and obesity.
Methods: Male 8-week-old ob/ob mice (average body weight, 40.9 g) were fed a standard diet with and without BMFA (ob/ob+BMFA and ob/ob–BMFA groups, respectively; 4 mice/group) for seven days. The livers were excised to prepare total RNA for microarray expression analyses. Signal ratios (i.e., ob/ob+BMFA versus ob/ob–BMFA group) were calculated to compare gene expression.
Results: The mRNA levels of 2,632 genes were significantly changed in the livers of ob/ob+BMFA mice when compared with those of ob/ob–BMFA mice. As expected, proinflammatory cytokine and chemokine genes were significantly downregulated by BMFA. The acyl-Coenzyme A thioesterase 3 gene in fatty acid oxidation was upregulated in ob/ob+BMFA liver, whereas free fatty acid receptor 2 and solute carrier family 27 member 3 genes were downregulated. Most genes involved in glycolysis and gluconeogenesis were not affected by BMFA. In contrast, the level of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ coactivator 1α mRNA significantly increased in ob/ob+BMFA mice, suggesting that BMFA administration may reduce insulin resistance in ob/ob mice.
Conclusion: Our study suggested that BMFA may possess anti-inflammatory effects and enhance fatty acid metabolism in ob/ob mouse liver. These data imply the possibility that EtOAc-soluble constituents in bitter melon fruit may improve lipid accumulation in the liver during obesity and diabetes mellitus, as well as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.
Objective: We aimed to evaluate the effects of BMFA on the gene expression in the liver of ob/ob mice, which are deficient in leptin and are used as a diabetes mellitus model. The changes may be related to hepatic steatosis and obesity.
Methods: Male 8-week-old ob/ob mice (average body weight, 40.9 g) were fed a standard diet with and without BMFA (ob/ob+BMFA and ob/ob–BMFA groups, respectively; 4 mice/group) for seven days. The livers were excised to prepare total RNA for microarray expression analyses. Signal ratios (i.e., ob/ob+BMFA versus ob/ob–BMFA group) were calculated to compare gene expression.
Results: The mRNA levels of 2,632 genes were significantly changed in the livers of ob/ob+BMFA mice when compared with those of ob/ob–BMFA mice. As expected, proinflammatory cytokine and chemokine genes were significantly downregulated by BMFA. The acyl-Coenzyme A thioesterase 3 gene in fatty acid oxidation was upregulated in ob/ob+BMFA liver, whereas free fatty acid receptor 2 and solute carrier family 27 member 3 genes were downregulated. Most genes involved in glycolysis and gluconeogenesis were not affected by BMFA. In contrast, the level of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ coactivator 1α mRNA significantly increased in ob/ob+BMFA mice, suggesting that BMFA administration may reduce insulin resistance in ob/ob mice.
Conclusion: Our study suggested that BMFA may possess anti-inflammatory effects and enhance fatty acid metabolism in ob/ob mouse liver. These data imply the possibility that EtOAc-soluble constituents in bitter melon fruit may improve lipid accumulation in the liver during obesity and diabetes mellitus, as well as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.