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18-09-2021 | Fatty Liver | Original Article

Combined action of açai and aerobic exercise training on the development of NAFLD induced by a high-fat diet: a preliminary exploration

Authors: Victor Neiva Lavorato, Denise Coutinho de Miranda, Filipe Rios Drummond, Leonardo Matheus Teixeira Rezende, Maria do Carmo Gouveia Pelúzio, Marcelo Eustáquio Silva, Antônio José Natali

Published in: Sport Sciences for Health | Issue 2/2022

Abstract

Introduction

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a metabolic condition that comprises a spectrum of liver diseases. Non-pharmacological treatments such as functional food consumption and aerobic exercise training (AET) have been recommended.

Objective

To evaluate the combined effects of açai pulp consumption and AET on the development of NAFLD induced by a high-fat diet.

Methods

Male Fischer rats received either standard or high-fat diet. Animals (21.8% lard and 1% cholesterol) were treated with lyophilized açai pulp (1%), AET or açai plus AET for 8 weeks. Exercise capacity, body fat, serum metabolites (triacylglycerol, total cholesterol, and high-density lipoprotein) and enzymes (lipase, aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase), liver macrovesicular steatosis and liver lipid peroxidation (thiobarbituric acid reactive substances—TBARS) were evaluated.

Results

Açai consumption reduced the levels of serum total cholesterol (p = 0.0185). AET with or without açai consumption increased the exercise capacity (p = 0.0097) and reduced body fat (p = 0.0001) similarly. Both AET and açai consumption individually reduced the concentrations of aspartate aminotransferase (p = 0.0103) and TBARS (p = 0.0014). AET with or without açai consumption reduced the degree of macrovesicular steatosis (p < 0.0001) likewise.

Conclusions

Açai consumption or AET protect against increases in serum metabolite (total cholesterol) and enzyme (aspartate aminotransferase) and liver lipid peroxidation (TBARS), whereas AET prevents increases in the degree of macrovesicular steatosis in this model of NAFLD induced by high-fat diet in rats. The combination of treatments, nevertheless, does not provide additional effects.

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Title: Combined action of açai and aerobic exercise training on the development of NAFLD induced by a high-fat diet: a preliminary exploration
Authors: Victor Neiva Lavorato
Denise Coutinho de Miranda
Filipe Rios Drummond
Leonardo Matheus Teixeira Rezende
Maria do Carmo Gouveia Pelúzio
Marcelo Eustáquio Silva
Antônio José Natali
Publication date: 18-09-2021
Publisher: Springer Milan
Keyword: Fatty Liver
Published in: Sport Sciences for Health / Issue 2/2022
Print ISSN: 1824-7490
Electronic ISSN: 1825-1234
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11332-021-00831-x

2024 ASCO Annual Meeting

Springer Medicine

Combined action of açai and aerobic exercise training on the development of NAFLD induced by a high-fat diet: a preliminary exploration

Abstract

Introduction

Objective

Methods

Results

Conclusions

2024 ASCO Annual Meeting

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Introduction

Objective

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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