Moringa oleifera decreases biomarkers of oxidative stress in a murine NASH model

Introduction and Objectives

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of Moringa oleifera aqueous extract on biomarkers of oxidative stress in a murine model of NASH.

Material and Methods

The characterization of the extract was performed by DPPH and ABTS spectrophotometric assays. Male C57BL/6J mice were randomly separated into two groups. 1) Standard diet (ND) (n = 5) (18% lipid) and 2) High fat (HF) diet (n = 10) (60% lipid and 42 g/L sugar in water of use), for 16 weeks. At the end of eight weeks, five HF group mice were divided into a subgroup, 3) Moringa Oleifera (HF + MO), 290 mg/kg/day p.o. for eight weeks. Malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were determined in liver homogenates and the transcriptome by microarray. Differences between groups were determined by ANOVA/Kruskal-Wallis test. The trial was approved by the research ethics committee.

Results

Moringa aqueous extract showed antioxidant capacity; DPPH values were 10081.4 0.3 and 22960.4 0.3 for ABTS. Hepatic MDA levels were increased in the HF group compared to the ND group (p<0.05) and decreased in the moringa-treated group (p<0.05). In the transcriptome, mRNAs involved in endoplasmic reticulum stress were underexpressed.

Discussion

An increase in MDA has been demonstrated in a murine model of NAFLD induced by a high-fat diet. In our study, Moringa administration reduces MDA production and gene expression of molecules involved in oxidative stress.

Conclusions

MO treatment is a therapeutic alternative for the NASH spectrum of liver disorders.

Funding

The resources used in this study were from the hospital without any additional financing

Declaration of interest

The authors declare no potential conflicts of interest.