Targeting Asprosin/ Nrf2 Pathway in the Potential Protective Effect of Co-enzyme Q10 and/or Exercise on High-Fat Diet Induced Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease in Rats

Background: Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) is the most prevalent liver disease, and is rising globally. Asprosin a newly discovered glucogenic hepatic targeting adipokine has gained great interest. Coenzyme Q 10 (CoQ10) as antioxidant dietary supplement and exercise as an optimal non pharmacological strategy were chosen. Aim: This study aimed to evaluate the hepato-protective effect of CoQ10 and/or exercise on NAFLD rat model and exploring the potential involvement of asprosin/ nuclear factor erythroid 2–related factor 2 (Nrf2) in such effect. Materials and Method: Five groups of rats were conducted for 8 weeks experimental period. Control rats were fed balanced diet. High-fat diet (HFD) group was fed HFD. HFD + exercise group, rats were fed HFD and performed swimming exercise for 60 min/5 days/week. HFD + CoQ10 group, HFD fed rats received CoQ10 20 mg/kg/day/ orally. HFD + CoQ10+ exercise group, rats were fed HFD and performed swimming exercise along with receiving CoQ10. Results: Our findings revealed that HFD led to NAFLD characteristics at both biochemical and histopathological levels. Evident dyslipidemia, insulin resistance, and oxidative stress were documented. These finding were improved by CoQ10 and/or exercise. Asprosin-decline and Nrf2 augmentation were among the contributing mechanisms. Conclusion: CoQ10 and/or exercise had a protective effect on a rat model of NAFLD. Asprosin lowering expressions while, enhancing Nrf2 protein expression were among the underlying protective impact.