Resveratrol Attenuates Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease in Obese Mice Modulating MAF1

In the present study, we aimed to evaluate the resveratrol effects on MAF1 liver pathway using a mice model of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) induced by high-fat diet. Thirty-two male mice were divided into four groups and fed for 60 days with a standard diet, standard diet plus resveratrol (30 mg/kg/day by gavage for 4 weeks), high-fat diet, or high-fat diet plus resveratrol (30 mg/kg/day by gavage for 4 weeks). Metabolic parameters, insulin sensitivity, glucose tolerance, total cholesterol, triacylglycerides, glutamic-oxaloacetic transaminase, and glutamic-pyruvic transaminase levels were assessed. After sacrifice, adipose tissue and liver were weighed to evaluate lipid accumulation (via H&E and Sudan IV staining). The oxidative stress was analyzed by enzyme activity measurement of catalase and superoxide dismutase. mRNA expression of key genes (PTEN, MAF1, NNMT, and RXRα) were determined by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR). The resveratrol was able to significantly reduce the epididymal adipose tissue weight improving glycemic and lipid parameters. Hepatic liver accumulation was reduced also decreasing collagen deposition and improving catalase enzyme activity in the resveratrol-treated group. PTEN, MAF1, and NNMT expressions were improved and RXRα expression was decreased by resveratrol, suggesting the lipid profile enhancement in treated animals. In conclusion, the main results showed that a 4-week treatment with resveratrol improves hepatic conditions inducing a significant liver fat reduction in obese mice. The data indicates that the beneficial effects presented might be coordinated by the MAF1.