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Nutrition in the Liver Damage

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A special issue of Nutrients (ISSN 2072-6643). This special issue belongs to the section "Nutritional Epidemiology".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (20 December 2024) | Viewed by 31151

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Dr. Aldona Wierzbicka-Rucinska

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Guest Editor

Department of Clinical Biochemistry, The Children’s Memorial Health Institute, 04-761 Warsaw, Poland
Interests: metabolic syndrome; metabolomics; obesity; liver disease; lipoproteins; vitamins; antioxidants; non-alcoholic fatty liver disease; fatty acids; nutrition; inflammation; metabolites of the gut microbiota
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Dr. Zuzanna Goluch

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Co-Guest Editor

Department of Food Technology and Nutrition, Wroclaw University of Economics and Business, Komandorska 118/120, 53-345 Wrocław, Poland
Interests: human nutrition; dietetics; nutritional physiology; dietary supplements; food technology; research involving model animals or farm animals
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Nutrition in the case of liver damage supports clinical therapy. We see different extremes in patients with liver disease, from undernutrition to overweight and obesity. The topic of nutrition in liver diseases depends on the stage of the disease and the patient's nutritional status. The slow, irreversible and progressive deterioration of liver function leads to malnutrition. However, in liver diseases related to overweight and obesity, we observe disorders of insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) and disorders of lipid and carbohydrate metabolism.

Nutritional deficiencies, including those related to vitamins A, D, E, K, B12, recurrent vomiting and appetite disorders are tasks for a qualified dietitian. Therefore, the aim of this Special Issue is to discuss various solutions and assistance procedures for patients with liver diseases.

Dr. Aldona Wierzbicka-Rucinska
Dr. Zuzanna Goluch
Guest Editors

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Keywords

liver damage
insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I)
carbohydrate metabolism (glucose, insulin)
diet
vitamins
lipids
physical activity

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Published Papers (10 papers)

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Research

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13 pages, 3231 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Genetic Risk, BMI Status, BMI Change Patterns, and the Risk of Steatotic Liver Disease and Liver Enzyme Elevation in Chinese Adults

by Juan Yang, Chan Tian, Maojie Liu, Haiyan Guo, Fei Lin, Yang Ding, Wentao Yao, Jiahao Zhang, Jingyi Fan, Chengxiao Yu, Jing Lu and Qun Zhang

Nutrients 2024, 16(23), 4212; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16234212 - 6 Dec 2024

Viewed by 1182

Abstract

Background/Objectives: Whether an increased genetic risk of steatotic liver disease (SLD) can be offset by maintaining a healthy weight remains unknown. We aimed to clarify the associations among the body mass index (BMI) and its change patterns with SLD and assess whether genetic susceptibility can modify these associations in Chinese people. Methods: A total of 10,091 and 6124 participants from the Health Omics Preventive Examination (HOPE) Program were enrolled in cross-sectional and follow-up analyses, respectively. BMI change patterns were defined according to the BMI at baseline and the last follow-up visit. Genetic risk was estimated using the polygenic risk score (PRS) derived from variants in PNPLA3, TM6SF2, MBOAT7, and GCKR. Data were analyzed using logistic regression models and Cox proportional-hazards models. Results: The analyses of the BMI and genetic risk simultaneously showed a dose–response association with the risk of SLD (p-trend < 0.001). Significant interactions between BMI and PRS were found for alanine aminotransferase (ALT) elevation (p = 0.007) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) elevation (p < 0.001). Weight loss led to a 71%, 60%, and 67% lower risk of SLD, ALT elevation, and AST elevation, compared with stable overweight/obesity. A significant interaction between the genetic risk and BMI change patterns in ALT elevation was observed (p = 0.008). The absolute risk reductions associated with weight loss were greater for participants at a high genetic risk (26.60, 12.29, and 9.31 per 100 person years for SLD, ALT elevation, and AST elevation, respectively). Conclusions: Maintaining a healthy weight reduces the liver injury risk among all individuals, and the risk reduction is greater among the subset with a high genetic risk of SLD. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrition in the Liver Damage)

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11 pages, 640 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of Bioactive Dietary Components on Changes in Lipid and Liver Parameters in Women after Bariatric Surgery and Procedures

by Edyta Barbara Balejko, Anna Bogacka, Jarosław Lichota and Jan Pawlus

Nutrients 2024, 16(9), 1379; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16091379 - 1 May 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1641

Abstract

Excess adipose tissue, as well as its distribution, correlates strongly with disorders of lipid and liver parameters and chronic inflammation. The pathophysiology of metabolic diseases caused by obesity is associated with the dysfunction of visceral adipose tissue. Effective and alternative interventions such as the Bioenteric Intragastric Balloon and bariatric surgeries such as the Roux-en-Y gastric bypass. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of modifying the recommended standard weight loss diet after bariatric surgery and procedures on reducing chronic inflammation in overweight patients. In the study, bioactive anti-inflammatory dietary components were used supportively. Changes in the concentrations of lipid parameters, liver parameters, antioxidant enzymes, cytokines, and chemokines were demonstrated. The enrichment of the diet, after bariatric surgery, with the addition of n-3 EFAs(Essential Fatty Acids), bioflavonoids, vitamins, and synbiotics resulted in higher weight losses in the patients in the study with a simultaneous reduction in parameters indicating liver dysfunction. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrition in the Liver Damage)

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15 pages, 3351 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Role of Acyl-CoA Synthetase 1 in Bioactive Lipid Accumulation and the Development of Hepatic Insulin Resistance

by Piotr Zabielski, Monika Imierska, Kamila Roszczyc-Owsiejczuk, Mariusz Kuźmicki, Paweł Rogalski, Jarosław Daniluk and Agnieszka U. Błachnio-Zabielska

Nutrients 2024, 16(7), 1003; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16071003 - 29 Mar 2024

Viewed by 1926

Abstract

The liver plays a crucial role in glucose metabolism. Obesity and a diet rich in fats (HFD) contribute to the accumulation of intracellular lipids. The aim of the study was to explore the involvement of acyl-CoA synthetase 1 (ACSL1) in bioactive lipid accumulation and the induction of liver insulin resistance (InsR) in animals fed an HFD. The experiments were performed on male C57BL/6 mice divided into the following experimental groups: 1. Animals fed a control diet; 2. animals fed HFD; and 3. HFD-fed animals with the hepatic ACSL1 gene silenced through a hydrodynamic gene delivery technique. Long-chain acyl-CoAs, sphingolipids, and diacylglycerols were measured by LC/MS/MS. Glycogen was measured by means of a commercially available kit. The protein expression and phosphorylation state of the insulin pathway was estimated by Western blot. HFD-fed mice developed InsR, manifested as an increase in fasting blood glucose levels (202.5 mg/dL vs. 130.5 mg/dL in the control group) and inhibition of the insulin pathway, which resulted in an increase in the rate of gluconeogenesis (0.420 vs. 0.208 in the control group) and a decrease in the hepatic glycogen content (1.17 μg/mg vs. 2.32 μg/mg in the control group). Hepatic ACSL1 silencing resulted in decreased lipid content and improved insulin sensitivity, accounting for the decreased rate of gluconeogenesis (0.348 vs. 0.420 in HFD_(+/+)) and the increased glycogen content (4.3 μg/mg vs. 1.17 μg/mg in HFD_(+/+)). The elevation of gluconeogenesis and the decrease in glycogenesis in the hepatic tissue of HFD-fed mice resulted from cellular lipid accumulation. Inhibition of lipid synthesis through silencing ACSL1 alleviated HFD-induced hepatic InsR. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrition in the Liver Damage)

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10 pages, 590 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of Egg Consumption on Subjects with SLD or Hypertension: A MICOL Study

by Rossella Tatoli, Caterina Bonfiglio, Francesco Cuccaro, Angelo Campanella, Sergio Coletta, Pasqua Letizia Pesole, Gianluigi Giannelli and Rossella Donghia

Nutrients 2024, 16(3), 430; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16030430 - 31 Jan 2024

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Abstract

Background: Steatotic liver disease (SLD) is defined as a fat accumulation in more than 5% of hepatocytes; it can progress to non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), associated with an increased state of inflammation. The aim of this study was to explore the protective effects of eating eggs and any association with SLD and hypertension (HTN). Methods: The study cohort included 908 participants assessed in the fourth recall of the MICOL study, grouped into four groups, based on NALFD and/or HTN. Results: The prevalence of HTN and SLD among participants was 31.61%. Overall, the results indicated a statistical significance of egg consumption, showing a protective role against the two disease conditions, in both the raw and adjusted models (RRR = 0.34, p = 0.009, 0.15 to 0.76 95% C.I.). Conclusions: Many differences were found among the groups, and the protective role of eating eggs was amply demonstrated. We can conclude that it is unwise to demonize the intake of this food and its nutritional properties, in contrast with previous reports in the literature. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrition in the Liver Damage)

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16 pages, 1504 KiB

Open AccessReview

Impact of Sexual Dimorphism on Therapy Response in Patients with Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease: From Conventional and Nutritional Approaches to Emerging Therapies

by Eleonora Dileo, Francesca Saba, Mirko Parasiliti-Caprino, Chiara Rosso and Elisabetta Bugianesi

Nutrients 2025, 17(3), 477; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu17030477 - 28 Jan 2025

Viewed by 1126

Abstract

Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) represents a spectrum of liver disease ranging from hepatic fat accumulation to steatohepatitis (metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis, MASH), fibrosis, cirrhosis, and potentially hepatocellular carcinoma in the absence of excessive alcohol consumption. MASLD is characterized by substantial inter-individual variability in terms of severity and rate of progression, with a prevalence that is generally higher in men than in women. Steroids metabolism is characterized by sexual dimorphism and may have an impact on liver disease progression; indeed, several therapeutic strategies targeting hormone receptors are under phase 2/3 development. Despite the fact that the importance of sexual dimorphism in the setting of MASLD is well recognized, the underlying molecular mechanisms that can potentially drive the disease toward progression are not clear. The aim of this review is to delve into the crosstalk between sexual dimorphism and steroid hormone perturbation under nutritional and pharmacological intervention. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrition in the Liver Damage)

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21 pages, 1748 KiB

Open AccessReview

The Role of Dietary Ingredients and Herbs in the Prevention of Non-Communicable Chronic Liver Disease

by Monika Maćków, Tomasz Dziubyna, Tatiana Jamer, Dmytro Slivinskyi, Tomasz Pytrus, Katarzyna Neubauer, Małgorzata Zwolińska-Wcisło, Andrzej Stawarski, Ewa Piotrowska and Dorian Nowacki

Nutrients 2024, 16(20), 3505; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16203505 - 16 Oct 2024

Viewed by 3742

Abstract

Background: Liver diseases are among the most commonly diagnosed conditions, with the main risk factors being inappropriate lifestyles, including poor diet, excessive alcohol consumption, low physical activity and smoking, including electronic cigarettes. Non-communicable chronic liver diseases also often develop as a result of accompanying overweight and obesity, as well as type 2 diabetes. Methods: The literature on risk factors for non-communicable chronic liver diseases, which show a high strong influence on their occurrence, was analysed. Results: Measures to prevent non-communicable chronic liver disease include the selection of suitable food ingredients that have proven protective effects on the liver. Such ingredients include dietary fibre, probiotics, herbs, various types of polyphenols and fatty acids (omega-3). Conclusions: Because of their liver-protective effects, nutritionists recommend consuming vegetables, fruits, herbs and spices that provide valuable ingredients with anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer effects. These components should be provided with food and, in the case of probiotics, supplementation appears to be important. As a preventive measure, a diet rich in these nutrients is therefore recommended, as well as one that prevents overweight and other diseases that can result in liver disease. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrition in the Liver Damage)

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34 pages, 2351 KiB

Open AccessReview

Vaccinium spp. Berries in the Prevention and Treatment of Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: A Comprehensive Update of Preclinical and Clinical Research

by Ewelina Książek, Zuzanna Goluch and Marta Bochniak

Nutrients 2024, 16(17), 2940; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16172940 - 2 Sep 2024

Viewed by 2977

Abstract

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a common chronic liver disorder marked by the buildup of triacylglycerols (TGs) in the liver. It includes a range of conditions, from simple steatosis to more severe forms like non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), which can advance to fibrosis, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma. NAFLD’s prevalence is rising globally, estimated between 10% and 50%. The disease is linked to comorbidities such as obesity, type 2 diabetes, insulin resistance, and cardiovascular diseases and currently lacks effective treatment options. Therefore, researchers are focusing on evaluating the impact of adjunctive herbal therapies in individuals with NAFLD. One herbal therapy showing positive results in animal models and clinical studies is fruits from the Vaccinium spp. genus. This review presents an overview of the association between consuming fruits, juices, and extracts from Vaccinium spp. and NAFLD. The search used the following keywords: ((Vaccinium OR blueberry OR bilberry OR cranberry) AND (“non-alcoholic fatty liver disease” OR “non-alcoholic steatohepatitis”)). Exclusion criteria included reviews, research notes, book chapters, case studies, and grants. The review included 20 studies: 2 clinical trials and 18 studies on animals and cell lines. The findings indicate that juices and extracts from Vaccinium fruits and leaves have significant potential in addressing NAFLD by improving lipid and glucose metabolism and boosting antioxidant and anti-inflammatory responses. In conclusion, blueberries appear to have the potential to alleviate NAFLD, but more clinical trials are needed to confirm these benefits. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrition in the Liver Damage)

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20 pages, 2042 KiB

Open AccessReview

Regular Consumption of Green Tea as an Element of Diet Therapy in Drug-Induced Liver Injury (DILI)

by Anna Winiarska-Mieczan, Karolina Jachimowicz-Rogowska, Małgorzata Kwiecień, Marta Borsuk-Stanulewicz, Agnieszka Tomczyk-Warunek, Ewa Stamirowska-Krzaczek, Cezary Purwin, Małgorzata Stryjecka and Marzena Tomaszewska

Nutrients 2024, 16(17), 2837; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16172837 - 24 Aug 2024

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2523

Abstract

The liver is a highly metabolically active organ, and one of the causes of its dysfunction is the damage caused by drugs and their metabolites as well as dietary supplements and herbal preparations. A common feature of such damage is drugs, which allows it to be defined as drug-induced liver injury (DILI). In this review, we analysed available research findings in the global literature regarding the effects of green tea and/or its phenolic compounds on liver function in the context of protective action during prolonged exposure to xenobiotics. We focused on the direct detoxifying action of epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) in the liver, the impact of EGCG on gut microbiota, and the influence of microbiota on liver health. We used 127 scientific research publications published between 2014 and 2024. Improving the effectiveness of DILI detection is essential to enhance the safety of patients at risk of liver damage and to develop methods for assessing the potential hepatotoxicity of a drug during the research phase. Often, drugs cannot be eliminated, but appropriate nutrition can strengthen the body and liver, which may mitigate adverse changes resulting from DILI. Polyphenols are promising owing to their strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties as well as their prebiotic effects. Notably, EGCG is found in green tea. The results of the studies presented by various authors are very promising, although not without uncertainties. Therefore, future research should focus on elucidating the therapeutic and preventive mechanisms of polyphenols in the context of liver health through the functioning of gut microbiota affecting overall health, with particular emphasis on epigenetic pathways. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrition in the Liver Damage)

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35 pages, 806 KiB

Open AccessReview

Nutrition in Gilbert’s Syndrome—A Systematic Review of Clinical Trials According to the PRISMA Statement

by Zuzanna Goluch, Aldona Wierzbicka-Rucińska and Ewelina Książek

Nutrients 2024, 16(14), 2247; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16142247 - 12 Jul 2024

Viewed by 6962

Abstract

Gilbert syndrome is the most common hyperbilirubinemia, associated with a mutation in the UGT1A1 bilirubin gene, which produces an enzyme that conjugates bilirubin with glucuronic acid. Episodes of jaundice occurring in GS negatively affect patients’ quality of life. This systematic review aimed to analyze clinical studies regarding nutrition in people with GS. The study followed the PRISMA guidelines and utilized the Ebsco, Embase, Cochrane, PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases to search clinical trials focused on diet/nutrition in GS (1963–2023 years). The methodological quality of selected studies was assessed using the Jadad scale. As a result, 19 studies met the inclusion criteria. The research mainly focused on the impact of caloric restriction, consumption of various diet variants, and vegetables and fruits on hyperbilirubinemia and metabolic health. A nutritional intervention consisting of not applying excessive calorie restrictions and consuming fats and biologically active compounds in vegetables and fruits (Cruciferae, Apiaceous, Rutaceae) may prevent the occurrence of jaundice episodes. It is justified to conduct further research on detecting such compounds in food, which, by influencing the expression of the UGT liver enzyme gene, could contribute to regulating bilirubin concentration in the blood of people with GS. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrition in the Liver Damage)

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8 pages, 442 KiB

Open AccessBrief Report

Quercetin’s Potential in MASLD: Investigating the Role of Autophagy and Key Molecular Pathways in Liver Steatosis and Inflammation

by Ioannis Katsaros, Maria Sotiropoulou, Michail Vailas, Emmanouil Ioannis Kapetanakis, Georgia Valsami, Alexandra Tsaroucha and Dimitrios Schizas

Nutrients 2024, 16(22), 3789; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16223789 - 5 Nov 2024

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2435

Abstract

Metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MASLD) is a widespread liver disorder characterized by excessive fat accumulation in the liver, commonly associated with metabolic syndrome components such as obesity, diabetes, and dyslipidemia. With a global prevalence of up to 30%, MASLD is projected to affect over 100 million people in the U.S. and 20 million in Europe by 2030. The disease ranges from Steatotic Lived Disease (SLD) to more severe forms like metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH), which can progress to cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Autophagy, a cellular process crucial for lipid metabolism and homeostasis, is often impaired in MASLD, leading to increased hepatic lipid accumulation and inflammation. Key autophagy-related proteins, such as Beclin1, LC3A, SQSTM1 (p62), CD36, and Perilipin 3, play significant roles in regulating this process. Disruption in these proteins contributes to the pathogenesis of MASLD. Quercetin, a natural polyphenolic flavonoid with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, has promising results in mitigating MASLD. It may reduce hepatic lipid accumulation, improve mitochondrial function, and enhance autophagy. However, further research is needed to elucidate its mechanisms and validate its therapeutic potential in clinical settings. This underscores the need for continued investigation into autophagy and novel treatments for MASLD. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrition in the Liver Damage)

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