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Author Spotlight: Establishing MASLD Cell Models for Investigating Disease Mechanisms and the Lipid-Lowering Effects of Koumiss
Published on: July 19, 2024
Hepatic steatosis: a role for citrulline
Prasanthi Jegatheesan1, Jean-Pascal De Bandt
1aEA4466 PRETRAM, Faculty of Pharmacy, Paris Descartes University, Sorbonne Paris Cité bDepartment of Clinical Chemistry, Hôpitaux Universitaires Paris Centre, APHP, Paris, France.
Purpose Of Review:
The high worldwide prevalence of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) makes it a major public health issue. Amino acids offer a promising approach for its prevention, and several experimental studies highlight the nutritional importance of citrulline in this setting. The purpose of this review is to discuss the potential interest of citrulline in the prevention and treatment of NAFLD.
Recent Findings:
Current findings shed light on the role of the gut-liver, adipose tissue-liver, and muscle-liver axes in NAFLD progression. Recent experimental studies have produced evidence for a role of citrulline in controlling the pathophysiological mechanisms involved in NAFLD through its action on these three axes. Data are needed to distinguish between direct and indirect effects of citrulline on the liver and between a specific effect and a nitrogen supply-related effect.
Summary:
Good level of experimental evidence suggests that citrulline supply may be associated with an attenuation of NAFLD development, but further human studies are now needed to support these findings. This review may help define novel strategies to control fatty liver diseases.
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