Study of the Impact on Natural Polyphenolic Compounds on liver Pathology Induced by a High-fat Diet Combined with Streptozotocin

Author: Mariam Gogiberidze
Co-authors: Ekaterina Pipia, Shalva Dorokashvili, Guram Manjavidze, Merab Sepashvili, Zurab Kuchukashvili
Keywords: .Streptozotocin, High-fat diet, ALT/AST, Cholesterol, Triglycerides
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Metabolic syndrome-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) is a growing global health concern, with its prevalence increasing steadily. Statistical data suggests a dramatic rise from 18.2% in the 1990s to a potential 40% in 2020-2024, with projections exceeding 50% of the world's population within the next decade. The full spectrum of metabolic disorders contributing to MAFLD pathogenesis remains unclear. Additionally, no specific pharmaceutical treatment currently exists. Since oxidative stress seems to be a key factor, research has focused on the potential therapeutic and preventative role of antioxidant compounds, particularly polyphenols. Since this pathology is mainly associated with peroxidation, the search for its therapeutic and preventive means is directed towards studying antioxidant compounds, including polyphenols, in relation to the aforementioned pathology. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of polyphenolic compounds on organ-specific functional markers in animal models with high-fat diet and streptozotocin-induced liver pathology. Following ethical guidelines, the study employed a multi-stage approach. First, a high-fat diet and streptozotocin were used to establish a pathological model in rats, confirmed by appropriate markers. These animals then received either a polyphenolic fraction extracted from grape seeds (developed by our team) or pure quercetin. Finally, the study assessed the antioxidant properties of these compounds and their impact on plasma levels of biochemical markers (ALT, AST, cholesterol, and triglycerides). In conclusion, this study suggests that polyphenolic compounds, particularly quercetin, have a beneficial effect on liver function markers (ALT/AST) in a high-fat diet and streptozotocin-induced rat model of MAFLD. While further research is needed to explore their long-term effects on cholesterol and triglyceride metabolism (a 10-day course did not show a significant impact on cholesterol and triglyceride metabolism), these findings offer promising possibilities for the development of novel therapeutic strategies for MAFLD.