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In Silico Study of Natural Polyphenols as Potential Metabolic Modulators in Mitigating Lipotoxicity in Non-Alcoholic
Evangelia K Konstantinou1, Athanasios A Panagiotopoulos1, Maria Dimitriou1
1Department of Nutritional Science and Dietetics, School of Health Sciences, University of the Peloponnese, Antikalamos, 24100 Kalamata, Greece.
Abstract:
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a metabolic disorder described by the deposition of triglycerides in the liver, which primarily occurs due to insulin resistance and obesity. Thyroid hormone receptor alpha (THRA) is involved in metabolic pathways that promote lipolysis, which can prevent the accumulation of liver fat. As a possible treatment for NAFLD, this in silico study examines the binding interactions between THRA and polyphenols and flavonoids present in fruits and vegetables. Including caffeic acid, curcumin, and chlorogenic acid, the binding affinities of the natural substances to THRA were found comparable to the hormone T3, boosting the THRA-TRAP220 complex, promoting fatty acid oxidation, while decreasing lipid accumulation in the liver.
Insights
This study explored natural compounds for treating non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Certain fruit and vegetable compounds bind to the thyroid hormone receptor alpha (THRA), potentially reducing liver fat.
Area of Science:
- Metabolic disorders
- Molecular biology
- Nutritional science
Background:
- Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is characterized by liver triglyceride deposition, linked to insulin resistance and obesity.
- Thyroid hormone receptor alpha (THRA) plays a role in lipolysis, potentially preventing hepatic steatosis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the in silico binding interactions between THRA and various polyphenols/flavonoids from fruits and vegetables.
- To assess the potential of these natural compounds as a therapeutic strategy for NAFLD.
Main Methods:
- Computational in silico study.
- Analysis of binding affinities between THRA and selected natural compounds (caffeic acid, curcumin, chlorogenic acid).
- Evaluation of THRA-TRAP220 complex interactions and downstream effects on lipid metabolism.
Main Results:
- Several natural compounds exhibited binding affinities to THRA comparable to the hormone T3.
- These compounds enhanced the THRA-TRAP220 complex formation.
- The interactions promoted fatty acid oxidation and reduced lipid accumulation in the liver.
Conclusions:
- Polyphenols and flavonoids from fruits and vegetables show promise as therapeutic agents for NAFLD.
- Targeting THRA with natural compounds could be a viable strategy to combat liver fat accumulation.
- Further research into these natural compounds could lead to novel NAFLD treatments.
