109
Views
8
CrossRef citations to date
0
Altmetric
Original Article

Chitosan ameliorates the severity of steatohepatitis induced by high fat diet in rats

, , , , , , & show all
Pages 1371-1377 | Received 02 Mar 2008, Published online: 08 Jul 2009
 

Abstract

Objective. Currently, no agent has been conclusively demonstrated to prevent the progression of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). Chitosan, a natural product derived from chitin, was thought to possess hypocholesterolemic properties. The aim of this study was to evaluate the potential effects of chitosan on nutritional steatohepatitis in rats. Material and methods. Rats were fed with a high fat diet for 4 weeks to develop NASH that was confirmed by liver biopsy, and then 4 weeks of chitosan was given. Serum chemistry and liver histology were assessed and the steatoinflammatory mechanisms were studied. Results. Chitosan significantly protected against high fat diet-induced hepatic steatohepatitis. This effect was associated with repressed serum levels of total protein (TP), globulin (GLO), alanine aminotransferase (ALAT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), γ-glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT), total cholesterol (TC) and low-density lipoprotein (LDL). Chitosan elevated the serum levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and the ratio of albumin to globulin. Furthermore, increased TNF-α, lipoemia, hyperinsulinemia, hyperleptinemia and hypoadiponectin in NASH were significantly ameliorated by treatment with chitosan. Conclusions. Chitosan effectively attenuated the steatohepatitis induced by a high fat diet. The therapeutic effect of chitosan on NASH may be activated through exerting an influence on adipokines.

Reprints and Corporate Permissions

Please note: Selecting permissions does not provide access to the full text of the article, please see our help page How do I view content?

To request a reprint or corporate permissions for this article, please click on the relevant link below:

Academic Permissions

Please note: Selecting permissions does not provide access to the full text of the article, please see our help page How do I view content?

Obtain permissions instantly via Rightslink by clicking on the button below:

If you are unable to obtain permissions via Rightslink, please complete and submit this Permissions form. For more information, please visit our Permissions help page.