Attenuation by a Vigna nakashimae extract of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease in high-fat diet-fed mice

Abstract

A Vigna nakashimae (VN) extract has been shown to have antidiabetic and anti-obesity effects. However, the mechanism underlying the effect of a VN extract on hepatic inflammation and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress remains unclear. In the present study, we investigated how a VN extract protects against the development of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). A VN extract for 12 weeks reduced the body weight, serum metabolic parameters, cytokines, and hepatic steatosis in high-fat diet (HFD)-fed mice. A VN extract decreased HFD-induced hepatic acetyl CoA carboxylase and glucose transporter 4 expressions. In addition to the levels of high-mobility group box 1 and receptor for advanced glycation, the hepatic expression of ATF4 and caspase-3 was also reduced by a VN extract. Thus, these data indicate that a chronic VN extract prevented NAFLD through multiple mechanisms, including inflammation, ER stress, and apoptosis in the liver.

Key words:

• endoplasmic reticulum stress
• inflammation
• nonalcoholic fatty liver disease
• Vigna nakashimae

Acknowledgments

This study was carried out with the support of the Cooperative Research Program for Agriculture Science and Technology Development (project No. PJ00900001) of the Rural Development Administration, Republic of Korea. No competing financial interests exist.

Notes

Abbreviations: ACC, acetyl CoA carboxylase; ATF4, activating transcription factor 4; ER, endoplasmic reticulum; FFA, free fatty acid; GLUT4, glucose transporter 4; HFD, high-fat diet; HMGB1, high-mobility group box 1; NAFLD, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease; RAGE, receptor for advanced glycation end products; TLR, Toll-like receptor; VN, Vigna nakashimae.