Work

An experimental rat model of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: Ameliorative effect of green coffee and prediction of disease activity

Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: BACKGROUND: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is currently a public health problem that affects many people worldwide. New-generation dietary agents can contribute to disease control. Also, prediction of liver disease activity with serum markers is an important factor to reduce the need for liver biopsies. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to compare the effects of 20 mg/kg green coffee bean extract (GCBE, standardized to 10 mg/kg chlorogenic acid), 10 mg/kg chlorogenic acid (CA) and 50 mg/kg CA on NAFLD activity score (NAS). We also aimed to create a NAS prediction model as an alternative to liver biopsies. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Male Wistar rats were fed either a high-fat high-cholesterol (HFHC) diet (NAFLD groups, n = 32) or a normal diet (control groups, n = 24). Green coffee bean extract (20 mg/kg) and CA (10 mg/kg and 50 mg/kg) were given by daily oral gavage. At the end of the study, blood samples and liver tissues were collected. Biochemical parameters, glyoxalase 1 (GLO1) and oxidative stress parameters were analyzed. An experienced histopathologist graded NAS. RESULTS: Green coffee bean extract and 50 mg/kg CA significantly reduced NAS (p < 0.01 and p < 0.001, respectively). HFHC-diet induced NAFLD was associated with higher serum GLO1 levels (p < 0.001). Serum malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were positively correlated with NAS while GLO1 was negatively correlated with NAS (p < 0.001, r = 0.698; p < 0.05, r = -0.367, respectively). Serum MDA and triglyceride were found to be statistically significant in predicting NAS (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Our study suggests that GCBE and CA can both ameliorate the development of NAFLD. Also, low-dose GCBE and high-dose CA showed similar hepatoprotective effects. Increased GLO1 in NAFLD may be a defense mechanism which is enhanced by GCBE and CA. Moreover, serum MDA and triglyceride levels are promising in NAS prediction.
Institution: Ankara University
Language: English
Subfield: Epidemiology
Field: Medicine
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $754
OpenAlex ID: W4409505649
FWCI: 1.246
Cites:
Cited by: 2
Related to: 10