METABOLIC MODULATION AND HEPATIC INFLAMMATION: IMPACT OF BETA-ALANINE SUPPLEMENTATION ON HEPATIC PPAR-¿ AND CD68 MARKERS IN SPRAGUE-DAWLEY RATS SUBJECTED TO METABOLIC SYNDROME.

• Grant number: 25/18577-0
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: November 01, 2025
• End date: October 31, 2026
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Dentistry
• Principal Investigator: Ana Carolina Magalhães
• Grantee: Isabela Maria dos Santos
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Odontologia de Bauru (FOB). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Bauru , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Metabolic syndrome (MS) is a relevant risk factor for the development of liver diseases andtype 2 diabetes, justifying the search for effective therapeutic strategies. In this context,beta-alanine (¿A) has been highlighted for its antioxidant potential and modulatory effect onmetabolic and inflammatory pathways. This study aims to evaluate the effects of beta-alaninesupplementation on liver inflammatory response in an experimental model of metabolicsyndrome, focusing on the immunohistochemical expression of the markers PPAR-¿ andCD68. Forty male Sprague-Dawley rats (300-400 g) will be used, divided into fourexperimental groups: control (CO), control supplemented with (¿A) (CO+BA), high-fat dietgroup (MS), and high-fat diet supplemented with ¿A (MS+BA), with 10 animals per group.The experimental protocol will last 10 weeks, with food and water provided ad libitum. Fromthe fourth week onwards, the CO+BA and SM+BA groups will receive beta-alaninesupplementation through oral administration using agar gelatin, formulated and administeredaccording to individual weight (250 mg/kg/day), while the CO and SM groups will receivethe same agar gelatin, but without the inclusion of beta-alanine. The liver tissue will becollected for immunohistochemical analysis, which will be performed by blocking ofendogenous peroxidase, incubation with monoclonal antibodies for PPAR-¿ and CD68, andstaining using avidin-biotin peroxidase, with reaction development by diaminobenzidine.Statistical analysis will be performed considering a significance level of p < 0.05.