The effects of the consumption of monounsaturated fatty acids for four weeks on non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in human adults and Swiss mice

• Grant number: 18/20332-1
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: December 01, 2018
• End date: November 30, 2019
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Medicine
• Principal Investigator: Licio Augusto Velloso
• Grantee: Belisa Brunow Ventura Biavatti
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Ciências Médicas (FCM). Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP). Campinas , SP, Brazil
• Associated research grant: 15/50278-0 - Anti-obesity effects of nutrients by hypothalamic FFA1 and FFA4 activation, AP.TEM

Abstract

The prevalence of overweight and obesity has grown alarmingly in Brazil and around the world. In parallel, we observe an exponential increase in the prevalence of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), frequently found in obese, insulin-resistant and dyslipidemic individuals. It has already been demonstrated that diet is one of the most important modifiable risk factors in the control of the different phases of the disease. Unlike diets rich in saturated fatty acids and simple carbohydrates, which are associated with increased hepatocytes lipid content, mono and polyunsaturated fatty acids have shown direct and indirect benefits to NAFLD. Objective: To investigate the effects of the consumption of monounsaturated fatty acids for four weeks on non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in human adults and Swiss mice. Methods: This is an open clinical trial with a four-week duration. The obese and lean participants are submitted to a dietary intervention for four weeks with extra virgin olive oil. Before and after each intervention period, data on dietary intake and physical activity were evaluated, percentage of liver fat investigated by FDG PET/MRI scan, body composition by DXA, lipid profile and liver enzymes. For the Swiss mice study, the animals will be divided between obese-resistant and obese-prone and each of the groups will be divided into two (saline or olive oil). One group will receive 28 days of saline (250 microliters) per gavage and the other 28 days of extra virgin olive oil (250 microliters) per gavage. Data will be collected on food consumption and weight gain and at the end adipose tissue and liver will be collected from animals. Data will be expressed as mean and standard deviation and the variables compared by Student's t-test or ANOVA for repeated measures.