Effect of Flaxseed on Experimentally Induced Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease in Albino Rats

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Department of Human Anatomy and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt.

2 Department of Human Anatomy and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt

Abstract

Background: Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease is now known to be the most frequent chronic liver disease worldwide. Aim of work: Evaluate the progress of fibrosis in experimentally induced NAFLD in albino rats and the potential protective effect of the flaxseed using biochemical, histopathological and immunohistochemical parameters. Material and methods: We used twenty-four rats and divided them into 4 groups; Negative control group, rats were fed a basal diet only; Positive control group, rats were fed a basal diet plus ground flaxseed at a dose of 8mg/kg body weight daily by gastric tube for 12 weeks; High fat diet group, rats received high fat diet (20 mg butter/100 gm diet); High fat diet plus flaxseed group, rats received high fat diet plus ground flaxseed at a dose of 8mg/kg body weight daily by gastric tube. They were sacrificed after 12 weeks. Assessment of serum level of liver enzymes (ALT and AST), fasting blood glucose levels and lipid profile assessment [total cholesterol (TC) and triglycerides (TG)] was done. Oxidative stress was assessed in the liver. Fresh frozen sections were used for oil red O staining. Paraffin sections were prepared from liver specimens and stained with H&E, Sirius red and immunohistochemical staining for α-SMA. Results: Flaxseed suppressed excessive weight gain in rats that received HFD. Flaxseed decreased the fasting blood glucose level, serum level of ALT and AST enzymes, serum cholesterol and triglyceride levels and increased GSH levels as compared to HFD animals. Flaxseed attenuated the hepatic steatosis, inflammation, fibrosis and α-SMA immunohistochemical expression.

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