ARGININE/CITRULLINE CYCLE CHANGES IN DIET-INDUCED RAT MODEL OF NON-ALCOHOLIC FATTY LIVER DISEASE

The aim: to study the Arginine / Citrulline-cycle features on a diet-induced rat model of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Materials and methods: The studies were carried out on 20 white non-linear adult rats, including 10 (50%) males, 10 (50%) females, weighing 160-220 g. NAFLD was modeled by a 9-week fast food diet. The level of arginine and citrulline, and the arginase activity were investigated in the animals’ liver homogenates and in the blood. The morphological analysis of liver tissues changes was done. Results: NAFLD modeling using a 9-week fast food diet resulted in maximum weight gain in male rats (р<0.05). Female rats had 3 times more accumulation of intra-abdominal fat than male rats in the main group (р<0.05). Histopathologic liver examination confirmed NAFLD development in rats on a fast food diet during 9 weeks (р<0.05). NAFLD led to an increment of arginine level in the blood and liver homogenate in the main group compared to controls (р<0.05). NAFLD development was accompanied by a decrease in arginase activity and citrulline level in the blood and liver homogenate compared to control (р<0.05). Conclusions: The experimental rat model of NAFLD showed the Arginine / Citrulline cycle disorders, that were characterized by an increased arginine level, a decreased arginase activity and citrulline concentration in the blood and liver tissues. KEY WORDS: non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, arginine, arginase, citrulline