Mitochondrial-Targeted Antioxidant Treatment in a Mouse Model of Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease

As obesity has become a more common problem in childhood, the prevalence of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) among children has increased. Approximately 70-80% of obese children have some degree of NAFLD, a precursor for liver failure and/or hepatocellular carcinoma as well as an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease. While the molecular mechanisms of this disease are beginning to be elucidated, there is no standard pharmacologic therapy. Oxidative stress is a significant factor in disease progression, thus antioxidant therapy has potential utility. In the current study, 10 week old normal (Db/db) and obese diabetic mice with NAFLD (db/db) were treated for six weeks with vehicle or Mitotempol, a mitochondrial-targeted antioxidant. The effect on oxidative stress, inflammation and metabolism in liver was evaluated through measurement of gene (RT-PCR) and protein expression (immunoblots), along with hepatic triglyceride levels. Enzymes involved in oxidative stress were not affected by t...