The FXR agonist 6ECDCA reduces hepatic steatosis and oxidative stress induced by ethanol and low-protein diet in mice

Abstract Background and aim: Excessive ethanol consumption can lead to development of hepatic steatosis. Since the FXR receptor regulates adipose cell function and liver lipid metabolism, the aim of this work was to examine the effects of the FXR agonist 6ECDCA on alcoholic liver steatosis development and on oxidative stress induced by ethanol consumption. Methods: Swiss mice ( n  = 24) received a low-protein diet (6%) and a liquid diet containing 10% ethanol or water for 6 weeks. In the last 15 days mice received oral treatment with 6ECDCA (3 mg kg −1 ) or 1% tween (vehicle). The experimental groups ( n  = 6) were: water + tween, water + 6ECDCA, ethanol + tween and ethanol + 6ECDCA. Moreover, as a diet control, we used a basal group ( n  = 6), fed by a normal-proteic diet (23%) and water. After the treatment period, the animals were anesthetized for sample collection to perform plasma biochemistry assays, hepatic oxidative stress assays, hepatic cholesterol and triglycerides measurements, liver histology and hepatic gene expression. Results: Ethanol associated with low-protein diet induced hepatic oxidative stress, increased plasma transaminases and induced hepatic lipid accumulation. Many of these parameters were reversed by the administration of 6ECDCA, including amelioration of lipid accumulation and lipoperoxidation, and reduction of reactive oxygen species. These effects were possibly mediated by regulation of Srebpf1 and FAS gene expression, both reduced by the FXR agonist. Conclusions: Our data demonstrated that 6ECDCA reverses the accumulation of lipids in the liver and decreases the oxidative stress induced by ethanol and low-protein diet. This FXR agonist is promising as a potential therapy for alcoholic liver steatosis.