Coenzyme Q10 Attenuates High-fat Diet-induced Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease Through Activation of AMPK Pathway (P06-060-19)

Objectives To explore whether CoQ10 has an effect on NAFLD and the potential mechanism. Methods 2.1 Animal studies Thirty male C57BL/6 J mice (four weeks) were randomly distributed into three groups (n = 10): control group (10% Kcal from fat), the high-fat group (60% Kcal from fat), the CoQ10 group (CoQ10 1800 mg/kg, 60% Kcal from fat). The intervention time is 24 weeks. 2.2 Biochemical indicator Serum and liver biochemical markers were detected with appropriate test kits. 2.3 Histopathological evaluation H&E staining, immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence were used to valuate the degree of NAFLD. Results 3.1 CoQ10 ameliorates high-fat diet-induced weight gain and dyslipidaemia. CoQ10 decreased the weight gain (Fig. 1A). In addition, CoQ10 reduced the high-fat diet-induced subcutaneous and visceral fat. Serum levels of TC and TG decreased in mice fed HFD with supplementation of CoQ10 (Fig. 1C). The level of HDL-c showed an unremarkable increase in mice supplemented with CoQ10, while LDL-c in this group decreased (Fig. 1D). 3.2 CoQ10 inhibited NAFLD induced by high-fat diet. The lipid droplet was reduced in the mice fed CoQ10(Fig. 2A). Analysis of Sirius Red staining showed that hepatic fibrosis was ameliorated in the mice fed CoQ10(Fig. 2B). Staining of macrophage marker, F4/80, and the leukocyte marker, CD45 showed that CoQ10 can alleviate inflammation(Fig.2C, D). CoQ10 also induce the injury of liver(Fig. 2E). 3.3 CoQ10 regulates liver lipid metabolism. CoQ10 reversed the increase of ACC and FAS and reversed the decrease of PPAR-α and CPT-1 both in mRNA and protein expression. CoQ10 could activate AMPK. Conclusions Co Q10 may attenuates high-fat diet-induced non-alcoholic fatty liver disease through activation of AMPK pathway. Funding Sources The key Project of National Natural Science Fund (grant number: 81730090). Supporting Tables, Images and/or Graphs