Saffron effects on liver enzymes, antioxidant capacity, insulin, inflammation and genes expression of lipolysis and lipogenesis in a rat model of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease

Abstract

Summary: Background and aim: According to increasing attention to the protective effects of saffron in liver disease and increasing prevalence of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), the present study aimed to investigate the mechanism effects of saffron consumption on treatment of NAFLD in a rat model. Materials and Methods: In this study 24 male Sprague-Dawley rats were studied for 13 weeks. Rats were divided in 4 groups, including group 1 that was fed HFHS+ 250 mg/kg S, group 2 that was fed HFHS+ 125 mg/kg S, group 3 that was fed HFHS, and group 4 that was fed chow diet. Results: Saffron consumption in HFHS+ 250 mg/kg S group and in HFHS + 150 mg/kg S group led to a significant reduction in ALT, AST, blood glucose, insulin, and significant elevation in TAC versus HFHS group. Saffron consumption in HFHS+250, 150 mg/Kg S caused a significant reduction in TG and significant elevation in HDL serum levels. The difference between HFHS+250 mg/kg S and HFHS for PPARα gene expression was significant (p=0.01). SREBP 1-c gene expression reduction among groups was significant and there was a significant difference between HFHS+250 mg/kg S and HFHS (p=0.02 and 0.05, respectively). DGAT2 gene expression was decreased significantly among groups, and HFHS+125 mg/kg S and HFHS+250 mg/kg S versus to HFHS (p=0.05). Conclusions: This study showed that consumption of Saffron could treat NAFLD in Rats at least partially through modulation in gene expression of PPARα, SREBP 1-c, and DGAT2, liver enzymes, glycemic indices and TAC.

Keywords

• Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease
• Saffron
• Liver enzymes
• PPARα
• SREBP 1-c