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CoQ10 exerts hepatoprotective effect in fructose-induced fatty liver model in rats

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Abstract

Background

Excess dietary sugar is associated with deleterious metabolic effects, liver injury, and coenzyme-Q10 (CoQ10) deficiency. This study investigates the ability of CoQ10 to protect against fructose-induced hepatic damage.

Methods

Rats were fed tap water or 30% fructose for 12 weeks with or without CoQ10 (10 mg/kg, po). An additional group of rats were allowed to feed on either water or 30% fructose for 12 weeks, followed by four weeks of treatment with either the vehicle or CoQ10.

Results

Fructose-fed rats showed lower CoQ10 levels, increased systolic pressure, increased body weight, higher liquid consumption, decreased food intake and hyperglycemia. Fructose-fed rats also showed deteriorated serum and liver lipid profiles, impaired liver function tests and oxidative status, and lower expression of adiponectin receptor 1 and 2 along with higher GLUT-2 levels. Furthermore, following fructose treatment, tyrosine kinase-PI3K pathway was inhibited. Additionally, there was an increase in the levels of apoptotic markers and serum visfatin and a decrease in the levels of adiponectin and soluble receptor of the advanced glycated end product. Consequently, several histopathological changes were detected in the liver. Concurrent or three months post-exposure administration of CoQ10 in fructose rats significantly reversed or attenuated all the measured parameters and hepato-cytoarchitecture alterations.

Conclusion

This study suggests CoQ10 supplement as a possible prophylaxis or treatment candidate for fructose-induced liver injury.

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Abbreviations

Adipo R1 and R2:

Adiponectin receptor 1 and 2

AGES:

Advanced glycation end products

CoQ10:

Coenzyme-Q10

ANOVA:

Analysis of variance

ALT:

Alanine aminotransferase

AST:

Aspartate aminotransferase

DBP:

Diastolic blood pressure

FFAs:

Free fatty acids

GLUT 2:

Glucose transporter 2

H&E:

Hematoxylin and eosin

HOMA-IR:

Homeostasis model assessment index for insulin resistance

GSH:

Reduced glutathione

MDA:

Malondialdehyde

NAFDL:

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease

SBP:

Systolic blood pressure

sRAGE:

Soluble receptor of advanced glycated end product

TC:

Total cholesterol

TGs:

Triglycerides

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Acknowledgments

This work did not receive any funding from funding agencies in the public, commercial, or not-for-profit sectors

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Author notes

  1. Samar Rezq

    Present address: Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, UMMC, 2500 N state St., Jackson, MS, 39216, USA

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt

    Shimaa M. Elshazly & Samar Rezq

  2. Department of Anatomy and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt

    Amira E. Alsemeh & Enssaf A. A. Ahmad

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  1. Shimaa M. Elshazly
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  2. Amira E. Alsemeh
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Contributions

Participated in research design: SME-S, SR, AEA and EAAA. Conducted experiments: SMES, AEA and AEAA. Performed data analysis: SME-S, SR, AEA and Ahmed. Contributed to the writing of the manuscript: SR, SME-S, AEA and EAAA.

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Correspondence to Samar Rezq.

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Elshazly, S.M., Alsemeh, A.E., Ahmad, E.A.A. et al. CoQ10 exerts hepatoprotective effect in fructose-induced fatty liver model in rats. Pharmacol. Rep 72, 922–934 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s43440-020-00075-5

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