Abstract | BACKGROUND: HYPOTHESIS: The present study was performed to evaluate our hypothesis of the possible anti-fibrotic effect of cranberry nutraceuticals in a high fat cholesterol diet induced (HFCD)- NAFLD in rats, focusing on improving insulin sensitivity and modulating the expression of nuclear factor erythroid-2-related factor-2 (Nrf2) (a transcription factor responsible for regulating cellular redox balance). METHOD: Male albino wistar rats (12 weeks) received HFCD and/or cranberry (50 and 100 mg/kg/day, three times/week) orally for 8 consecutive weeks. RESULTS: In comparison to the HFCD group, cranberry treated groups (50 and 100 mg/kg) showed marked hepatoprotection, where it significantly decreased liver enzymes ( alanine transaminases by 49 and 64% and aspartate transaminases by 45 and 64%; respectively), TGs, and ameliorated the histopathological alterations (such as inflammatory cells infiltration and ballooning degeneration) induced by HFCD. Cranberry also alleviated oxidative stress ( malondialdehyde, glutathione, catalase and superoxide dismutase) and inflammation ( tumor necrosis factor- alpha, interleukine-6 and nuclear factor kappa-b) and significantly reduced the HOMA-IR and TyG index. On the other hand, cranberry treated groups (50 and 100 mg/kg) showed a marked increase in the expression of adiponectin, by 8 and 13-fold, insulin receptor substrate-2 by 21 and 79%, and Nrf2 by 13 and 61%, respectively. Notably, cranberry significantly reduced the fibrotic markers, TGF-β and α-SMA expression and collagen deposition. CONCLUSION: The present study showed that cranberry significantly attenuated NAFLD, in a dose dependent manner, which could be partially recognized by its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory activities, and its ability to improve insulin sensitivity. Notably, our study proves for the first time that the anti-fibrotic activity of cranberry is promising.
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Authors | Safaa A Faheem, Noha M Saeed, Reem N El-Naga, Iriny M Ayoub, Samar S Azab |
Journal | Frontiers in pharmacology
(Front Pharmacol)
Vol. 11
Pg. 218
( 2020)
ISSN: 1663-9812 [Print] Switzerland |
PMID | 32256346
(Publication Type: Journal Article)
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Copyright | Copyright © 2020 Faheem, Saeed, El-Naga, Ayoub and Azab. |