Abstract
Background: Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most common liver disease worldwide, and is related to disturbed lipid metabolism and redox homeostasis. However, a definitive drug treatment has not been approved for this disease. Studies have found that electromagnetic fields (EMFs) can ameliorate hepatic steatosis and oxidative stress. Nevertheless, the mechanism remains unclear.Methods: NAFLD models were established by feeding mice a high-fat diet. Simultaneously, EMF exposure is performed. The effects of the EMF on hepatic lipid deposition and oxidative stress were investigated. Additionally, the AMPK and Nrf2 pathways were analysed to confirm whether they were activated by the EMF.Results: Administration of the EMF decreased the body weight, liver weight and serum triglyceride (TG) levels and restrained the excessive hepatic lipid accumulation caused by feeding the HFD. This EMF function is achieved by boosting CaMKKβ protein expression, activating AMPK phosphorylation and suppressing mature SREBP-1c protein expression. Meanwhile, the activity of GSH-Px was enhanced following an increase in nuclear Nrf2 protein expression by EMF. However, no change was observed in the activities of SOD and CAT. Consequently, EMF reduced hepatic reactive oxygen species (ROS) and MDA levels, which means that EMF relieved liver damage by oxidative stress in HFD-fed mice.Conclusions: EMF can activate the CaMKKβ/AMPK/SREBP-1c and Nrf2 pathways to control hepatic lipid deposition and oxidative stress. This investigation indicates that EMF may be a novel therapeutic method for NAFLD.
Optimized Rapeseed Oils Rich in Endogenous Micronutrients Protect High Fat Diet Fed Rats from Hepatic Lipid Accumulation and Oxidative Stress