Effect of quercetin administration during the first two weeks post-weaning on the development of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and dyslipidaemia in Sprague Dawley rats fed a high fructose diet

Abstract

Hepatic steatosis and dyslipidaemia are associated with excessive fructose consumption. We investigated the effect of quercetin intake during the early pre-weaning period on metabolic dysfunction caused by a high fructose diet. Sprague Dawley rats, 21-day-old, were weaned onto standard rat chow and randomly allocated to four groups which either water or 20% fructose solution to drink with or without quercetin (100 mg/kg body mass). Quercetin was administered for two weeks. Thereafter, rats continued on their respective diets for six weeks without quercetin. Terminally, serum triglyceride concentrations were not significantly different (p > 0.05) between males across groups. However, females receiving quercetin alone had lower serum triglyceride levels than those receiving fructose (p < 0.01). Quercetin increased the incidence of hepatic steatosis in female rats. Quercetin intake in the immediate post-weaning period may prevent hypertriglyceridemia. However, female rats receiving quercetin alone are predisposed to hepatic steatosis associated with a high fructose diet.

Underlying Mechanisms behind the Brain–Gut–Liver Axis and Metabolic-Associated Fatty Liver Disease (MAFLD): An Update

“…These events collectively elevate the production of oxidative species and establish an oxidative stress environment, which is associated with endoplasmic reticulum stress and mitochondrial dysfunction. These factors contribute to inflammatory processes and the progression from simple steatosis to NASH [43,122,126,127].…”