Essential phospholipids in fatty liver: a scientific update

Area of Science:

• Hepatology and Gastroenterology
• Pharmacology
• Biochemistry

Background:

• Essential phospholipids (EPL) are utilized for membrane-associated disorders.
• The precise effects and purification quality of EPL for fatty liver diseases (FLDs) require further investigation.
• EPL contains key components like 1,2-dilinoleoylphosphatidylcholine.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review and summarize the efficacy of EPL in treating fatty liver diseases.
• To discuss the available research on EPL for various origins of FLD.
• To assess the quality of purification and effects of soybean-derived EPL.

Main Methods:

• Conducted a literature search of Medline, Embase, and Cochrane Library (1988-2014).
• Focused on studies specifying a minimum 72% (3-sn-phosphatidyl)choline extraction from soybean.
• Included papers detailing the use of 1,2-dilinoleoylphosphatidylcholine as a key EPL component.

Main Results:

• EPL exhibits a well-established mechanism of action with proven therapeutic effectiveness and low toxicity.
• Demonstrates anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antifibrogenic, anti-apoptotic, membrane-protective, and lipid-regulating effects.
• Accelerates improvement in symptoms, biochemical findings, imaging, and liver histology, justifying co-administration with other therapies.

Conclusions:

• Pharmacological and clinical data confirm the effectiveness of EPL in managing FLD.
• EPL positively influences membrane composition and cellular functions, aiding liver health.
• The efficacy-to-safety ratio supports the clinical use of EPL for liver conditions.