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In a recent study, researchers evaluated the impact of resveratrol on liver health and oxidative stress. Resveratrol, found in large concentrations in the skin of red grapes, is a polyphenolic compound with significant antioxidant activity. The liver has numerous functions, including detoxification, protein synthesis, bile synthesis for digestion, carbohydrate metabolism and cholesterol synthesis. Fat can be deposited in the liver, affecting its ability to perform these functions.
Rats were supplemented with 15 mg per kg body weight of resveratrol, 45 mg per kg body weight of resveratrol, or no supplement to serve as the control group for 6 weeks duration. The livers of the rats were analyzed after supplementation to evaluate the enzymes involved in lipid synthesis, fatty acid oxidation, glucose metabolism and lipid levels. The study found that in the groups of rats supplemented with resveratrol, liver weight and triacylglyceride (triglyceride) content was lower compared to the control group. The enzymes involved in lipid synthesis were unchanged with resveratrol supplementation. However, enzymes including hepatic carnitine palmitoyltransferase-Ia and acyl-coenzyme A oxidase involved in fatty acid metabolism were increased with resveratrol supplementation. The rats that received resveratrol also showed lower levels of non-essential fatty acids and alkaline phosphatase, an enzyme used to evaluate liver function. Low-dosage resveratrol also lowered levels of the liver enzyme aspartate aminotransferase (AST), suggesting more efficient and optimal levels of liver function. Furthermore, resveratrol supplementation reduced markers of oxidative stress in the liver. The researchers stated that this study demonstrates that resveratrol can protect against fat deposition in the liver by reducing fatty acid availability and can protect the liver from oxidative stress.
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