Title:Targeting Mitochondria for the Prevention and Treatment of Nonalcoholic
Fatty Liver Disease: Polyphenols as a Non-pharmacological
Approach
Volume: 30
Issue: 26
Author(s): Jaime Zapata, Mauricio Castro-Sepulveda, Sandra Soto-Alarcon, Daniela Alvarez, Andres Bustamante, Guiselle Villarroel, Arturo Gallardo, Diego Fernando Garcia-Diaz, Rodrigo Valenzuela and Francisca Echeverria*
Affiliation:
- Departamento de Nutricion, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
- Carrera Nutricion y Dietetica,
Departamento Ciencias de la Salud, Pontificia Universidad Catolica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
Keywords:
Bioactive compounds, liver steatosis, mitochondrial dysfunction, obesity, phenolic compounds.
Abstract:
Scope: Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has a high and growing
prevalence globally. Mitochondria are fundamental in regulating cell energy homeostasis.
Nevertheless, mitochondria control mechanisms can be exceeded in this context of energy
overload. Damaged mitochondria worsen NAFLD progression. Diet and lifestyle changes
are the main recommendations for NAFLD prevention and treatment. Some polyphenols
have improved mitochondrial function in different NAFLD and obesity models.
Objective: The study aims to discuss the potential role of polyphenols as a nonpharmacological
approach targeting mitochondria to prevent and treat NAFLD, analyzing
the influence of polyphenols' chemical structure, limitations and clinical projections.
Methods: In vivo and in vitro NAFLD models were considered. Study searches were performed
using the following keywords: nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, liver steatosis, mitochondria,
mitochondrial activity, mitochondrial dynamics, mitochondrial dysfunction,
mitochondrial morphology, mitochondrial cristae, fusion, fission, polyphenols, flavonoids,
anthocyanins, AND/OR bioactive compounds.
Conclusion: Polyphenols are a group of diverse bioactive molecules whose bioactive effects
are highly determined by their chemical structure. These bioactive compounds could
offer an interesting non-pharmacological approach to preventing and treating NAFLD,
regulating mitochondrial dynamics and function. Nevertheless, the mitochondria' role in
subjects with NAFLD treatment is not fully elucidated. The dosage and bioavailability of
these compounds should be addressed when studied.