Dietary supplementation with methyl donors improves physiopathological conditions of NAFLD in a murine model

Introduction and Objective

This study aimed to evaluate the benefits of supplementation with methyl donors of a diet rich in fat and sugars in a model of NAFLD.

Material and methods

Male mice of the C57BL/6J strain with an initial weight of 20-25g were fed with a conventional diet (ND n=8) or a diet high in fats and sugars (HF n=8) for 18 weeks; or with a diet rich in fats and sugars for 10 weeks, plus eight weeks of HF diet + supplementation with methyl group donors (HFMS n=8). At 18 weeks, ITT was performed; it was collected at sacrifice: liver, fat, and serum. Histological and biochemical analyzes were performed and global hepatic DNA methylation was quantified. The trial was approved by the research ethics committee.

Results

The supplemented animals (HFMS) showed a decrease in body weight, liver weight and epididymal and visceral fat (p<0.001). The area of the adipocytes in the HFMS group decreased significantly compared to the HF group. The HFMS group presented reduced serum levels of triglycerides and glucose and greater sensitivity to insulin. Histological analysis of livers from ND and HFMS animals showed no damage characteristic of NAFLD, such as lipid infiltration and inflammation. Global methylation increased in HFMS animals.

Discussion

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most common cause of chronic liver damage worldwide. The results in this work reinforce the evidence that supplementation with methyl group donor molecules could work as a therapeutic strategy to prevent the progression of the disease.

Conclusion

Supplementation with methyl donors of a diet high in fats and sugars has beneficial effects in a murine model of NALFD.

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.