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Chalinasterol attenuates ethanol-induced hepatic lipid accumulation by activating β-oxidation
Ji Hye Kim1, Min Young Kim1, Sejong Oh2
1Department of Biological Sciences, Chonnam National University, Gwangju 61186, Republic of Korea.
Biomedical Reports
|March 20, 2026
Summary
Chalinasterol (CA) can prevent alcoholic steatosis, the earliest stage of alcoholic liver disease. This natural compound enhances fatty acid oxidation via AMPK activation, reducing liver injury and lipid accumulation.
Area of Science:
- Hepatology
- Natural Product Chemistry
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Alcoholic liver disease (ALD) is a significant global health concern.
- Early-stage alcoholic steatosis is reversible, making timely intervention crucial.
- Ethanol induces liver fat accumulation by increasing lipogenesis and decreasing fatty acid oxidation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the potential of chalinasterol (CA), a seaweed-derived compound, in mitigating ethanol-induced hepatic steatosis.
- To elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying CA's protective effects against early-stage ALD.
Main Methods:
- In vitro studies using hepatocytes exposed to ethanol.
- In vivo studies using a mouse model of ethanol-induced liver injury.
- Analysis of lipogenesis and fatty acid oxidation gene expression.
- Measurement of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and liver injury markers (ALT, AST).
- Assessment of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) phosphorylation.
Main Results:
- CA significantly reduced ethanol-induced lipid accumulation in hepatocytes and mouse livers.
- CA did not affect lipogenesis gene expression or ROS levels.
- CA upregulated β-oxidation gene expression and increased phosphorylated AMPK levels.
- CA attenuated elevated serum ALT and AST levels, indicating reduced liver injury.
Conclusions:
- Chalinasterol (CA) effectively alleviates ethanol-induced hepatic steatosis.
- CA's protective mechanism involves enhancing fatty acid oxidation through AMPK activation.
- CA shows potential as a preventive agent for early-stage alcoholic liver disease.
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