Spirulina supplementation in a mouse model of diet-induced liver fibrosis reduced the pro-inflammatory response of splenocytes

Spirulina versus metformin for controlling some insulin signaling pathway genes in induced polycystic ovary syndrome rat model

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a prevalent endocrinologic and gynecologic disorder that affects women of reproductive age; besides, insulin resistance (IR) occurs in 50-70 % of PCOS cases. Metformin (Met) is commonly prescribed for IR management; however, it does not affect IR with some gastrointestinal symptoms. Spirulina platensis (SP) is a blue-green alga that may increase insulin sensitivity. Therefore, our study aims to evaluate SP as an alternative treatment to Met for improving glucose homeostasis by assessing the expression of 11 crucial genes involved in the insulin signaling pathway. After induction of the PCOS model using dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) (60 mg/kg bwt) for 30 consecutive days, rats were allocated into six groups. Relative liver weight, glutamic pyruvic transaminase (GPT) serum levels, glutamic-oxaloacetic transaminase (GOT), and insulin were determined. Furthermore, the gene expression of Ins1, Irs1, Pik3ca, Prkcz, Foxo1, Srebf1, Ppargc1a, Pklr, Gk, G6pc, and Pepck in the rat's liver tissue was determined using qRT-PCR. Treatment of the PCOS control group with Met or SP revealed a decrease in all these parameters compared with the PCOS model. Additionally, we found a statistically significant difference in the expression of both the Gk and Prkcz genes. To summarize our study results, SP or Met supplementation to PCOS rats had almost the same effect on assessed relative liver weight, GOT, GPT, and insulin levels compared with PCOS control rats. If further studies confirm and detect more impact of SP on IR in PCOS, SP could be used instead of Met since the latter causes many side effects.

Dietary sugar kelp (Saccharina latissima) consumption did not attenuate atherosclerosis in low-density lipoprotein receptor knockout mice

We previously demonstrated the beneficial effects of U.S.-grown sugar kelp (Saccharina latissima), a brown seaweed, on reducing serum triglycerides (TG) and total cholesterol (TC) and protecting against inflammation and fibrosis in the adipose tissue of diet-induced obesity mice. In this current study, we aimed to explore whether the dietary consumption of sugar kelp can prevent atherosclerosis using low-density lipoprotein receptor knockout (Ldlr KO) mice fed an atherogenic diet. Eight-week-old male Ldlr KO mice were fed either an atherogenic high-fat/high-cholesterol control (HF/HC) diet or a HF/HC diet supplemented with 6% (w/w) sugar kelp (HF/HC-SK) for 16 weeks. Consumption of sugar kelp significantly increased the body weight gain without altering fat mass and lean mass. Also, there were no significant differences in energy expenditure and physical activities between the groups. The two groups did not show significant differences in serum and hepatic TG and TC levels or the hepatic expression of genes involved in cholesterol and lipid metabolism. Although serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) activity did not differ significantly between the two groups, there were significant increases in the expression of macrophage markers, including adhesion G protein-coupled receptor E1 and cluster of differentiation 68, as well as tumor necrosis factor alpha in the HF/HC-SK group compared to the HF/HC mice. The consumption of sugar kelp did not elicit a significant effect on the development of aortic lesions. Moreover, lipopolysaccharide-stimulated splenocytes isolated from HF/HC-SK-fed mice showed no significant changes in the mRNA levels of pro-inflammatory genes compared with those from the HF/HC mice. In summary, the consumption of dietary sugar kelp did not elicit anti-atherogenic and hepatoprotective effects in Ldlr KO mice.

Galdieria sulphuraria: An Extremophilic Alga as a Source of Antiviral Bioactive Compounds

In the last decades, the interest in bioactive compounds derived from natural sources including bacteria, fungi, plants, and algae has significantly increased. It is well-known that aquatic or terrestrial organisms can produce, in special conditions, secondary metabolites with a wide range of biological properties, such as anticancer, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial activities. In this study, we focused on the extremophilic microalga Galdieria sulphuraria as a possible producer of bioactive compounds with antiviral activity. The algal culture was subjected to organic extraction with acetone. The cytotoxicity effect of the extract was evaluated by the 2,5-diphenyl-2H-tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. The antiviral activity was assessed through a plaque assay against herpesviruses and coronaviruses as enveloped viruses and poliovirus as a naked one. The monolayer was treated with different concentrations of extract, ranging from 1 µg/mL to 200 µg/mL, and infected with viruses. The algal extract displayed strong antiviral activity at non-toxic concentrations against all tested enveloped viruses, in particular in the virus pre-treatment against HSV-2 and HCoV-229E, with IC₅₀ values of 1.7 µg/mL and IC₉₀ of 1.8 µg/mL, respectively. However, no activity against the non-enveloped poliovirus has been detected. The inhibitory effect of the algal extract was confirmed by the quantitative RT-PCR of viral genes. Preliminary chemical profiling of the extract was performed using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled to high-resolution mass spectrometry (UHPLC-HRMS), revealing the enrichment in primary fatty acid amides (PFAA), such as oleamide, palmitamide, and pheophorbide A. These promising results pave the way for the further purification of the mixture to explore its potential role as an antiviral agent.

Combination of Phycocyanin, Zinc, and Selenium Improves Survival Rate and Inflammation in the Lipopolysaccharide-Galactosamine Mouse Model

Sepsis is related to systemic inflammation and oxidative stress, the primary causes of death in intensive care units. Severe functional abnormalities in numerous organs can arise due to sepsis, with acute lung damage being the most common and significant morbidity. Spirulina, blue-green algae with high protein, vitamins, phycocyanin, and antioxidant content, shows anti-inflammatory properties by decreasing the release of cytokines. In addition, zinc (Zn) and selenium (Se) act as an antioxidant by inhibiting the oxidation of macromolecules, as well as the inhibition of the inflammatory response. The current study aimed to examine the combined properties of Zn, Se, and phycocyanin oligopeptides (ZnSePO) against lipopolysaccharide-D-galactosamine (LPS-GalN)-induced septic lung injury through survival rate, inflammatory, and histopathological changes in Balb/c mice. A total of 30 mice were allocated into three groups: normal control, LPS-GalN (100 ng of LPS plus 8 mg of D-galactosamine), LPS-GalN + ZnSePO (ZnPic, 52.5 µg/mL; SeMet, 0.02 µg/mL; and phycocyanin oligopeptide (PO), 2.00 mg/mL; at 1 h before the injection of LPS-GalN). Lung tissue from mice revealed noticeable inflammatory reactions and typical interstitial fibrosis after the LPS-GalN challenge. LPS-GalN-induced increased mortality rate and levels of IL-1, IL-6, IL-10, TGF-β, TNF-α, and NF-κB in lung tissue. Moreover, treatment of septic mice LPS-GalN + ZnSePO reduced mortality rates and inflammatory responses. ZnSePO considerably influenced tissue cytokine levels, contributing to its capacity to minimize acute lung injury (ALI) and pulmonary inflammation and prevent pulmonary edema formation in LPS-GalN-injected mice. In conclusion, ZnSePO treatment enhanced the survival rate of endotoxemia mice via improving inflammation and oxidative stress, indicating a possible therapeutic effect for patients with septic infections.

Consumption of Low Dose Fucoxanthin Does Not Prevent Hepatic and Adipose Inflammation and Fibrosis in Mouse Models of Diet-Induced Obesity

Fucoxanthin (FCX) is a xanthophyll carotenoid present in brown seaweed. The goal of this study was to examine whether FCX supplementation could attenuate obesity-associated metabolic abnormalities, fibrosis, and inflammation in two diet-induced obesity (DIO) mouse models. C57BL/6J mice were fed either a high-fat/high-sucrose/high-cholesterol (HFC) diet or a high-fat/high-sucrose (HFS) diet. The former induces more severe liver injury than the latter model. In the first study, male C57BL/6J mice were fed an HFC diet, or an HFC diet containing 0.015% or 0.03% (w/w) FCX powder for 12 weeks to develop obesity-induced nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). In the second study, mice were fed an HFS diet or an HFS diet containing 0.01% FCX powder for 8 weeks. FCX did not change body weight gain and serum lipid profiles compared to the HFC or HFS controls. No significant differences were present in liver triglyceride and total cholesterol, hepatic fat accumulation, and serum alanine aminotransferase levels between control and FCX-fed mice regardless of whether they were on an HFC or HFS diet. FCX did not mitigate mRNA abundance of genes involved in lipid synthesis, cholesterol metabolism, inflammation, and fibrosis in the liver and white adipose tissue, while hepatic fatty acid β-oxidation genes were significantly elevated by FCX in both HFC and HFS feeding studies. Additionally, in the soleus muscle, FCX supplementation significantly elevated genes that regulate mitochondrial biogenesis and fatty acid β-oxidation, concomitantly increasing mitochondrial DNA copy number, compared with HFC. In summary, FCX supplementation had minor effects on hepatic and white adipose inflammation and fibrosis in two different DIO mouse models.

The effect of Spirulina sauce, as a functional food, on cardiometabolic risk factors, oxidative stress biomarkers, glycemic profile, and liver enzymes in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease patients: A randomized double-blinded clinical trial

OBJECTIVE

This study sought to investigate the effect of Spirulina on cardiometabolic risk factors, oxidative stress biomarkers, glycemic profile, and liver enzymes in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) patients.

METHODS

This randomized, double-blind clinical trial was performed on 46 NAFLD patients. Subjects were allocated to consume either Spirulina sauce or placebo, each 20 g/day for 8 weeks. Fatty liver grade, liver enzymes, anthropometric parameters, blood pressure, and serum lipids, glucose, insulin, malondialdehyde, and antioxidant capacity were assessed pre- and postintervention.

RESULTS

Fatty liver grade was significantly different between the two groups. A significant change for ALT (alanine aminotransferase) and AST (aspartate aminotransferase) was seen between the two groups (p = .03 and .02, respectively), while ALP (alkaline phosphatase) serum levels were not significantly different within or between groups. Pertaining to glycemic profile, all variables, except HOMA-IR, were not significantly different within or between groups. Finally, statistically significant changes were seen in both MDA (malondialdehyde) and TAC (total antioxidant capacity) among the groups (p = .04 and <.001, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

Spirulina may improve fatty liver grade by modifying liver enzymes, oxidative stress, and some lipid profiles; however, there was effect of Spirulina on anthropometric characteristics and blood pressure.

Sugar kelp (Saccharina latissima) inhibits hepatic inflammation and fibrosis in a mouse model of diet-induced nonalcoholic steatohepatitis

Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), closely associated with obesity, is a health concern worldwide. We investigated whether the consumption of U.S.-grown sugar kelp (Saccharina latissima), an edible brown alga, can prevent obesity-associated metabolic disturbances and NASH in a mouse model of diet-induced NASH. Male C57BL/6J mice were fed a low-fat diet, a high-fat/high-sucrose/high-cholesterol diet (HF), or a HF diet containing sugar kelp (HF-Kelp) for 14 weeks. HF-Kelp group showed lower body weight with increased O2 consumption, CO2 production, physical activity, and energy expenditure compared with the HF. In the liver, there were significant decreases in weight, triglycerides, total cholesterol, and steatosis with HF-Kelp. The HF-Kelp group decreased hepatic expression of a macrophage marker adhesion G protein-coupled receptor E1 (Adgre1) and an M1 macrophage marker integrin alpha x (Itgax). HF-Kelp group also exhibited decreased liver fibrosis, as evidenced by less expression of fibrogenic genes and collagen accumulation than those of HF group. In epididymal white adipose tissue (eWAT), HF-Kelp group exhibited decreases in eWAT weight and adipocyte size compared with those of the HF. HF-Kelp group showed decreased expression of collagen type VI alpha 1 chain, Adgre1, Itgax, and tumor necrosis factor α in eWAT. We demonstrated, for the first time, that the consumption of U.S-grown sugar kelp prevented the development of obesity and its associated metabolic disturbances, steatosis, inflammation, and fibrosis in the liver and eWAT of a diet-induced NASH mouse model.

Can selenium-enriched spirulina supplementation ameliorate sepsis outcomes in selenium-deficient animals?

In intensive care units, sepsis is the first cause of death. In this pathology, inflammation and oxidative status play a crucial role in patient outcomes. Interestingly, 92% of septic patients exhibit low selenium plasma concentrations (a component of antioxidant enzymes). Moreover, Spirulina platensis, a blue-green algae, demonstrated anti-inflammatory effects. In this context, the main purpose of our study was to analyze the effect of a selenium-enriched spirulina after a selenium deficiency on sepsis outcome in rats. Sixty-four rats were fed 12 weeks with a selenium-deficient food. After 8 weeks, rats were supplemented (via drinking water) for 4 weeks with sodium selenite (Se), spirulina (Spi), or selenium-enriched spirulina (SeSp). Sepsis was then induced by cecal ligature and puncture, and survival duration was observed. The plasma selenium concentration was measured by ICPMS. Expression of GPx1 and GPx3 mRNA was measured by RT-PCR. Blood parameters (lactates and HCO3- concentrations, pH, PO2 , and PCO2 ) were analyzed at 0, 1, and 2 h as well as inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, TNF-α, IL-10). Sodium selenite and SeSP supplementations restored plasma selenium concentration prior to sepsis. The survival duration of SeSP septic rats was significantly lower than that of selenium-supplemented ones. Gpx1 mRNA was increased after a selenium-enriched spirulina supplementation while Gpx3 mRNA levels remained unchanged. Furthermore, sodium selenite prevented sepsis-induced acidosis. Our results show that on a basis of a Se deficiency, selenium-enriched spirulina supplementations significantly worsen sepsis outcome when compared to Se supplementation. Furthermore, Se supplementation but not selenium-enriched spirulina supplementation decreased inflammation and restored acid-base equilibrium after a sepsis induction.

Effect of Microalgae and Macroalgae Extracts on Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease

The present review aims to gather scientific evidence regarding the beneficial effects of microalgae and macroalgae extracts on non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). The described data show that both microalgae and macroalgae improved this alteration. The majority of the reported studies analysed the preventive effects because algae were administered to animals concurrent with the diet that induced NAFLD. The positive effects were demonstrated using a wide range of doses, from 7.5 to 300 mg/kg body weight/day or from 1 to 10% in the diet, and experimental periods ranged from 3 to 16 weeks. Two important limitations on the scientific knowledge available to date are that very few studies have researched the mechanisms of action underlying the preventive effects of microalgae on NAFLD and that, for the majority of the algae studied, a single paper has been reported. For these reasons, it is not possible to establish the best conditions in order to know the beneficial effects that these algae could bring. In this scenario, further studies are needed. Moreover, the beneficial effects of algae observed in rodent need to be confirmed in humans before we can start considering these products as new tools in the fight against fatty liver disease.

Hepatosplenic Protective Actions of Spirulina platensis and Matcha Green Tea Against Schistosoma mansoni Infection in Mice via Antioxidative and Anti-inflammatory Mechanisms

Schistosomiasis, a major parasitic illness, has high morbidity and negative financial effects in subtropical and tropical countries, including Egypt. The present study investigated the therapeutic effects of Spirulina platensis (SP) and matcha green tea (MGT) in Schistosoma mansoni-infected mice combined with tracing their possible antioxidant and anti-inflammatory impacts and their protective potency. A total of 60 Swiss albino mice were randomly allocated into six groups (n = 10): control group (CNT, received normal saline); SP–MGT group [received oral SP (3 g/kg bodyweight/day) plus MGT (3 g/kg bodyweight/day)]; S. mansoni group (infected with S. mansoni cercariae, 100 ± 10/mouse, using the tail immersion method); SP-infected group (infected with S. mansoni and received oral SP); MGT-infected group (received oral MGT after S. mansoni infection); and SP–MGT-infected group (received combined treatment of SP and MGT after S. mansoni infection). Treatment with SP and MGT started 4 weeks after S. mansoni infection and ended 10 weeks after. SP and MGT treatment (SP-infected and MGT-infected groups) and the combined treatment (SP–MGT-infected group) minimized the hepatic damage induced by S. mansoni; circulating alanine aminotransferase and aspartate transaminase decreased, and total protein, albumin, and globulin serum levels increased. The serum level of malondialdehyde significantly declined, and catalase, glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, and total antioxidant capacity increased in SP-infected, MGT-infected, and SP–MGT-infected groups compared with the infected group. Co-administration of SP and MGT reduced serum cytokine levels (tumor necrosis factor-alpha, interferon-gamma, and interleukin-13) and increased interleukin-10 levels after S. mansoni infection compared with the infected group. Moreover, treatment with SP and/or MGT decreased the number of granulomas in hepatic and splenic tissues compared with the infected group. Collectively, our results suggest that combined SP and MGT treatment is effective for S. mansoni infection. Liver and spleen tissue alterations were improved, the antioxidant systems were stimulated, and the inflammatory response was suppressed. Further research is recommended to investigate the mechanisms of the combined SP and MGT treatment effects to facilitate the development of novel therapies against this disease.

Current innovations in nutraceuticals and functional foods for intervention of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease

As innovations in global agricultural production and food trading systems lead to major dietary shifts, high morbidity rates from non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), accompanied by elevated risk of lipid metabolism-related complications, has emerged as a growing problem worldwide. Treatment and prevention of NAFLD and chronic liver disease depends on the availability of safe, effective, and diverse therapeutic agents, the development of which is urgently needed. Supported by a growing body of evidence, considerable attention is now focused on interventional approaches that combines nutraceuticals and functional foods. In this review, we summarize the pathological progression of NAFLD and discuss the beneficial effects of nutraceuticals and the active ingredients in functional foods. We also describe the underlying mechanisms of these compounds in the intervention of NAFLD, including their effects on regulation of lipid homeostasis, activation of signaling pathways, and their role in gut microbial community dynamics and the gut-liver axis. In order to identify novel targets for treatment of lipid metabolism-related diseases, this work broadly explores the molecular mechanism linking nutraceuticals and functional foods, host physiology, and gut microbiota. Additionally, the limitations in existing knowledge and promising research areas for development of active interventions and treatments against NAFLD are discussed.

Spirulina inhibits hepatocellular carcinoma through activating p53 and apoptosis and suppressing oxidative stress and angiogenesis

BACKGROUND

Most hepatocellular carcinoma cases are diagnosed at late stages of the disease, which makes it the second cause of cancer mortality worldwide. For advanced-stage patients, chemotherapeutic drugs are the best treatment option; however, their adverse effects and high cost are still major obstacles for effective treatment. Spirulina microalga is a rich source of nutritional and bioactive elements and potential pharmaceuticals, which has an -proliferative effect against several cancer cell lines. It also has a prophylactic effect against the early stages of some cancer models, including hepatocellular carcinoma.

AIMS

The present study was carried out to evaluate the therapeutic anticarcinogenic effect of spirulina against advanced murine hepatocellular carcinoma.

MAIN METHODS

Hepatocarcinoma was induced by a single injection of diethylnitrosamine (100 mg/kg, intraperitoneally) followed by 22 weekly injections of carbon-tetrachloride (0.5 mg/kg, i.p). Spirulina (250 and 500 mg/kg bw) was given orally, from week 25 to 28, after the establishment of hepatocellular carcinoma.

KEY FINDINGS

Spirulina inhibited HCC structural and functional alterations, manifested by improving the survival rate, significantly decreasing the tumor marker AFP, and the count and size of the hepatic nodules, as well as downstaging HCC. This was accompanied with the augmentation of the endogenous antioxidant capacity, apoptosis (Bax) and the tumor suppressor protein (p53), as well as the suppression of tissue levels of the lipid peroxidation marker (MDA) and neoangiogenesis marker (VEGF).

SIGNIFICANCE

In conclusion, spirulina has an anticarcinogenic effect against advanced hepatocellular carcinoma exerted through activating the tumor suppressor protein p53 and apoptosis, and suppressing oxidative stress and angiogenesis.

Autotrophic and Heterotrophic Growth Conditions Modify Biomolecole Production in the Microalga Galdieria sulphuraria (Cyanidiophyceae, Rhodophyta)

Algae have multiple similarities with fungi, with both belonging to the Thallophyte, a polyphyletic group of non-mobile organisms grouped together on the basis of similar characteristics, but not sharing a common ancestor. The main difference between algae and fungi is noted in their metabolism. In fact, although algae have chlorophyll-bearing thalloids and are autotrophic organisms, fungi lack chlorophyll and are heterotrophic, not able to synthesize their own nutrients. However, our studies have shown that the extremophilic microalga Galderia sulphuraria (GS) can also grow very well in heterotrophic conditions like fungi. This study was carried out using several approaches such as scanning electron microscope (SEM), gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS), and infrared spectrophotometry (ATR-FTIR). Results showed that the GS, strain ACUF 064, cultured in autotrophic (AGS) and heterotrophic (HGS) conditions, produced different biomolecules. In particular, when grown in HGS, the algae (i) was 30% larger, with an increase in carbon mass that was 20% greater than AGS; (ii) produced higher quantities of stearic acid, oleic acid, monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs), and ergosterol; (iii) produced lower quantities of fatty acid methyl esters (FAMEs) such as methyl palmytate, and methyl linoleate, saturated fatty acids (SFAs), and poyliunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs). ATR-FTIR and principal component analysis (PCA) statistical analysis confirmed that the macromolecular content of HGS was significantly different from AGS. The ability to produce different macromolecules by changing the trophic conditions may represent an interesting strategy to induce microalgae to produce different biomolecules that can find applications in several fields such as food, feed, nutraceutical, or energy production.

Spirulina Lipids Alleviate Oxidative Stress and Inflammation in Mice Fed a High-Fat and High-Sucrose Diet

High-fat and high-sucrose diet (HFHSD)-induced obesity leads to oxidative stress and chronic inflammatory status. However, little is known about the beneficial effects of total lipids extracted from Spirulina. Hence, in the present study, Spirulina lipids were extracted with chloroform/methanol (SLC) or ethanol (SLE) and then their effects on oxidative stress and inflammation in the mice fed a HFHSD were investigated. The results show that the major lipid classes and fatty acid profiles of SLC and SLE were almost similar, but the gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) and carotenoid contents in SLE was a little higher than that in SLC. Dietary 4% SLC or SLE for 12 weeks effectively decreased the hepatic lipid hydroperoxide levels as well as increased the activities and mRNA levels of antioxidant enzymes in the mice fed a HFHSD. In addition, supplementation with SLC and SLE also markedly decreased the levels of serum pro-inflammatory cytokines and the mRNA expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines in the liver and epididymal white adipose tissue of mice fed a HFHSD, and the effects of SLC and SLE were comparable. These findings confirm for the first time that dietary Spirulina lipids could alleviate HFHSD-induced oxidative stress and inflammation.

Nicotinamide riboside, an NAD+ precursor, attenuates the development of liver fibrosis in a diet-induced mouse model of liver fibrosis

OBJECTIVE

Liver fibrosis is part of the non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) spectrum, which currently has no approved pharmacological treatment. In this study, we investigated whether supplementation of nicotinamide riboside (NR), a nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) precursor, can reduce the development of liver fibrosis in a diet-induced mouse model of liver fibrosis.

METHODS

Male C57BL/6 J mice were fed a low-fat control (LF), a high-fat/high-sucrose/high-cholesterol control (HF) or a HF diet supplemented with NR at 400 mg/kg/day (HF-NR) for 20 weeks. Features of liver fibrosis were assessed by histological and biochemical analyses. Whole-body energy metabolism was also assessed using indirect calorimetry. Primary mouse and human hepatic stellate cells were used to determine the anti-fibrogenic effects of NR in vitro.

RESULTS

NR supplementation significantly reduced body weight of mice only 7 weeks after mice were on the supplementation, but did not attenuate serum alanine aminotransferase levels, liver steatosis, or liver inflammation. However, NR markedly reduced collagen accumulation in the liver. RNA-Seq analysis suggested that the expression of genes involved in NAD+ metabolism is altered in activated hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) compared to quiescent HSCs. NR inhibited the activation of HSCs in primary mouse and human HSCs. Indirect calorimetry showed that NR increased energy expenditure, likely by upregulation of β-oxidation in skeletal muscle and brown adipose tissue.

CONCLUSION

NR attenuated HSC activation, leading to reduced liver fibrosis in a diet-induced mouse model of liver fibrosis. The data suggest that NR may be developed as a potential preventative for human liver fibrosis.