Title:Hepatoprotective Effects of Resveratrol in Non-Alcoholic Fatty Live Disease
Volume: 27
Issue: 22
Author(s): Silvia Tejada, Xavier Capó, Catalina Mª Mascaró, Margalida Monserrat-Mesquida, Mª Magdalena Quetglas-Llabrés, Antoni Pons, Josep A. Tur and Antoni Sureda*
Affiliation:
- Research Group on Community Nutrition and Oxidative Stress (NUCOX), Health Research Institute of the Balearic Islands (IdISBa), and CIBEROBN (Physiopathology of Obesity and Nutrition), E-07122 Palma de Mallorca, Balearic Islands,Spain
Keywords:
Inflammation, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, polyphenols, resveratrol, sirtuin 1, steatosis.
Abstract:
Background: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is one of the most common causes of chronic
liver disease worldwide, directly related to the progressive increase in body weight and obesity. The accumulation
of lipids in patients with NAFLD contributes to the development of insulin resistance, inflammatory response and
oxidative stress in hepatocytes and alteration of the circulating lipid and glycaemic profile. However, to date,
there are no effective pharmacological treatments for patients with NAFLD. Lifestyle changes and dietary modifications
aimed at weight loss are the best current alternatives; therefore, new approaches should be considered.
Resveratrol, a natural polyphenol of the stilbene group, is a potential candidate for the management of NAFLD
for its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant properties, and calorie restriction-like effects.
Methods: In this review, the available information on the potential therapeutic effects of resveratrol on NAFLD,
found mainly in animal models and in some clinical trials, is summarizes.
Results: In vitro and animal model studies have shown beneficial effects of resveratrol treatment on NAFLD.
Resveratrol reduces the hepatic accumulation of lipids and improves lipid and glycaemic metabolism. Some of
the mechanisms of action are the signalling pathways of AMP-activated protein kinase, sirtuin 1 and nuclear
factor κB. However, the results obtained in clinical trials are inconclusive.
Conclusion: Although preclinical trials have shown promising results of resveratrol against NALFD, the lack of
clear results in clinical trials makes it necessary to conduct more studies with a larger number of patients and for a
longer time.
