Silymarin inhibits the lipogenic pathway and reduces worsening of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in mice

Abstract

Context

The role of silymarin in hepatic lipid dysfunction and its possible mechanisms of action were investigated.

Objective

To evaluate the effects of silymarin on hepatic and metabolic profiles in mice fed with 30% fructose for 8 weeks.

Methods

We evaluated the antioxidant profile of silymarin; mice consumed 30% fructose and were treated with silymarin (120 mg/kg/day or 240 mg/kg/day). We performed biochemical, redox status, and histopathological assays. RT-qPCR was performed to detect ACC-1, ACC-2, FAS, and CS expression, and western blotting to detect PGC-1α levels.

Results

Silymarin contains high levels of phenolic compounds and flavonoids and exhibited significant antioxidant capacity in vitro. In vivo, the fructose-fed groups showed increased levels of AST, ALT, SOD/CAT, TBARS, hepatic TG, and cholesterol, as well as hypertriglyceridaemia, hypercholesterolaemia, and increased ACC-1 and FAS. Silymarin treatment reduced these parameters and increased mRNA levels and activity of hepatic citrate synthase.

Conclusions

These results suggest that silymarin reduces worsening of NAFLD.

Keywords:

• NAFLD; fructose
• silymarin

Author contributions

L.C., and D.C. conception and design of research; L.C., B.D, D.C, and F.M performed experiments; L.C., G.H., M.M., M.L., S.P., S.D., P.M, C.M., and D.C. analysed data; L.C. and D.C. interpreted results of experiments; L.C. prepared figures; L.C. drafted manuscript; All authors approved the final version of this manuscript. All persons designated as authors qualify for authorship, and all those who qualify for authorship are listed.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Data availability statement

The data used to support the findings of this study are included within the article.

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by the Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES) and Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de Minas Gerais (FAPEMIG).