An albino mouse model of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease induced using high-fat liquid “Lieber-DeCarli” diet: a preliminary investigation

Abstract

Background: Experimental diet models have proven to be vital to understanding the pathophysiology and management of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Lieber-DeCarli high-fat, liquid diet have been used to produce NAFLD in rat models. There is, however, currently no information on the effects of this diet in the mouse model. Methods: Ten (n = 10) male albino mice (27.7 ± 2.0 g) were divided into 2 diet groups (n = 5/group). Animals from group 1 were fed with standard chow diet (CD group) and those from group 2 were fed with Lieber-DeCarli high-fat, liquid diet (high-fat diet or HFD group) ad libitum for a period of 4 weeks. Results: Data obtained show insulin resistance in the HFD group with a significant increase in plasma lipid profile. Level of cholesterol and triglycerides in the liver and plasma increased significantly ( P < .05) in the HFD group compared with the CD group. Plasma level of tumor necrosis factor alpha increased significantly in the HFD group compared to control. Also, indicators of oxidative stress (malondialdehyde and protein carbonyls) increased significantly coupled with a significant reduction in reduced glutathione (GSH) level and activity of glutathione peroxidase in the liver of mice in the HFD group compared to CD group. Histopathological evaluation of liver sections reveals steatosis with ballooned hepatocytes. Conclusions: Data from the present study suggest that the Lieber-DeCarli high-fat, liquid diet may be vital in the study of fatty liver disease in albino mouse. This model may also produce the features of NAFLD in a shorter time in albino mice.

Buchholzia coriacea seed (wonderful kolanut) alleviates insulin resistance, steatosis, inflammation and oxidative stress in high fat diet model of fatty liver disease

“…Leiber de Carli high fat liquid have been successfully used to produce various degrees of NAFLD in rats and mice as reported by Lieber et al. (2004), Nazmy and Abdel‐Ghany (2015) including an earlier report by Ore et al (2020).…”

“…Body weight was monitored weekly and the entire study lasted for a period of six (6) weeks. The duration of this study was chosen based on earlier study by Ore et al (2020). The chosen dose of HEBCS (250 mg/kg bw) was based on significant antioxidant and anti‐inflammatory effects displayed in earlier study (Ore et al., 2019).…”

“…NAFL progresses into steatohepatitis distinguished by inflammation, hepatic injury, hepatocellular apoptosis, and various degrees of fibrosis in addition to the features associated with NAFL (Liu et al., 2016; Ore & Akinloye, 2019). If left unchecked, non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) may progress to cirrhosis of the liver and hepatocellular carcinoma (Liu et al., 2016; Ore et al, 2020).…”

“…Considering the multiple‐hit pathophysiological mechanism of NAFLD, plant‐derived extracts are particularly promising because of the multiple pharmacological actions they exert on various diseases. Buccholzia coriacea seed (BCS) has been extensively used in African herbal medicine in the treatment of numerous diseases, hence the name “wonderful kolanut” (Ore et al, 2020). BCS is consumed either fresh or in cooked form (Oghenesuvwe et al., 2015).…”

“…Nutritional studies show that it is rich in carbohydrate, protein, and minerals, and has good nutritional index (Ijarotimi et al., 2015). Earlier studies show that, hydroethanolic extract of defatted BCS hydroethanolic extract of defatted Buccholzia coriacea seeds (HEBCS) is safe and it prevented oxidative stress, inflammation, and hepatocellular damage in LPS model of acute inflammatory liver injury (Ore et al., 2019; 2020). Therefore, the present study explores the pharmacological potentials of HEBCS in the prevention/ treatment of high fat diet‐induced NAFLD.…”