The Protective Effect of Cynara Cardunculus Extract in Diet-Induced NAFLD: Involvement of OCTN1 and OCTN2 Transporter Subfamily

Abstract

Hyperlipidemia and insulin-resistance are often associated with Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) thereby representing a true issue worldwide due to increased risk of developing cardiovascular and systemic disorders. Although clear evidence suggests that circulating fatty acids contribute to pathophysiological mechanisms underlying NAFLD and hyperlipidemia, further studies are required to better identify potential beneficial approaches for counteracting such a disease. Recently, several artichoke extracts have been used for both reducing hyperlipidemia, insulin-resistance and NAFLD, though the mechanism is unclear. Here we used a wild type of Cynara Cardunculus extract (CyC), rich in sesquiterpens and antioxidant active ingredients, in rats fed a High Fat Diet (HFD) compared to a Normal Fat Diet (NFD). In particular, in rats fed HFD for four consecutive weeks, we found a significant increase of serum cholesterol, triglyceride and serum glucose. This effect was accompanied by increased body weight and by histopathological features of liver steatosis. The alterations of metabolic parameters found in HFDs were antagonised dose-dependently by daily oral supplementation of rats with CyC 10 and 20 mg/kg over four weeks, an effect associated to significant improvement of liver steatosis. The effect of CyC (20 mg/kg) was also associated to enhanced expression of both OCTN1 and OCTN2 carnitine-linked transporters. Thus, present data suggest a contribution of carnitine system in the protective effect of CyC in diet-induced hyperlipidemia, insulin-resistance and NAFLD.

PUFA Supplementation and Heart Failure: Effects on Fibrosis and Cardiac Remodeling

“…In addition, both studies in animal models and in patients with HF indicate that the intake of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) inhibits the onset of interstitial fibrosis and diastolic heart dysfunction [ 49 ]. In fact, many researchers are currently studying the use of natural compounds in the prophylaxis and treatment of various diseases, as there are studies that demonstrate their effectiveness in heart diseases, hepatic steatosis, metabolic syndrome, and neurodegenerative diseases [ 5 , 50 , 51 , 52 , 53 , 54 , 55 ].…”

Nutrition Strategy and Life Style in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome—Narrative Review

“…Ultimately, in advanced PCOS with accompanying disease associated with metabolic syndrome and the steatosis of internal organs (especially non-alcoholic fatty liver disease), herbs and their extracts with proven properties should be considered for their hepatoprotective activities [ 136 ]. These substances include the silymarin contained in milk thistle ( Silybum marianum ) [ 137 , 138 ] and sesquiterpenes and antioxidant-active ingredients in artichoke ( Cynara Cardunculus ) extract [ 139 , 140 ]. Dandelion ( Taraxacum officinale ) and its component taraxasterol may silence the gene of SIRT1, preventing the disruption of hepatic cells [ 141 ].…”

The Effects of Bergamot Polyphenolic Fraction, Cynara cardunculus, and Olea europea L. Extract on Doxorubicin-Induced Cardiotoxicity

“…Upon BIP release, activation of the three signaling pathways takes place in a different way. PERK and Ire1α are activated by transautophosphoration, while ATF6 is transferred to the Golgi apparatus and transformed into an active transcription factor (p50) [ 46 ]. The silencing of a protein through the inactivation of its gene expression allows the pathway in which it is directly involved to be investigated.…”