Somatotropic axis dysfunction in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: Beneficial hepatic and systemic effects of hormone supplementation

Daniel Cabrera, Claudio Cabello-Verrugio, Nancy Solís, Diego San Martín, Catalina Cofré, Margarita Pizarro, Juan Pablo Arab, Johanna Abrigo, Fabián Campos, Betzabé Irigoyen, Gonzalo Carrasco-Avino, Katiuska Bezares, Valentina Riquelme, Arnoldo Riquelme, Marco Arrese, Francisco Barrera

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

22 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Background: Somatotropic axis dysfunction associated with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has potential multisystemic detrimental effects. Here, we analysed the effects of growth hormone (GH) and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) supplementation on liver histology, adipokine profile and muscle function in an NAFLD model. Methods: C57BL/6 mice were fed with a high fat diet (HFD) for 12 weeks and were separated into three groups treated for 4 weeks with: (1) High fat diet (HFD) (n = 10); (2) HFD + GH 9 μg/g/d (n = 10); (3) HFD + IGF-1 0.02 μg/g/d (n = 9). A control group fed a chow diet was included (n = 6). Liver histology, liver triglycerides content, serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) activity, adiponectin and leptin serum levels, in vivo muscle strength, tetanic force and muscle fibre cross-sectional area (CSA) were measured. Results: HFD + GH and HFD + IGF-1 groups showed significantly lower ALT activity compared to HFD (p < 0.01). Liver triglyceride content in HFD + GH was decreased compared to HFD (p < 0.01). Histologic steatosis score was increased in HFD and HFD + GH group (p < 0.01), whereas HFD + IGF-1 presented no difference compared to the chow group (p = 0.3). HFD + GH group presented lower serum leptin and adiponectin levels compared to HFD. GH and IGF-1 supplementation therapy reverted HFD-induced reduction in muscle strength and CSA (sarcopenia). Conclusions: GH and IGF-1 supplementation induced significant improvement in liver steatosis, aminotransferases and sarcopenia in a diet-induced NAFLD model.

Original languageEnglish
Article number1339
JournalInternational Journal of Molecular Sciences
Volume19
Issue number5
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2 May 2018

Keywords

  • Fatty liver
  • Growth hormone
  • IGF-1
  • Insulin growth factor 1
  • Somatotropic axis

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Catalysis
  • Molecular Biology
  • Spectroscopy
  • Computer Science Applications
  • Physical and Theoretical Chemistry
  • Organic Chemistry
  • Inorganic Chemistry

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