Evaluation of the Protective Efficiency of Ethyl Gallate Against Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease Induced by a High-Fat Diet in Mice

A significant portion of the population is affected by nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Unfortunately, there are no particular pharmacological treatments that have been approved for it. This study aimed to investigate the protective effect of ethyl gallate against NAFLD induced by a high-fat diet in mice. By using a high-fat diet for 16 weeks, the NAFLD model was created in mice. Two oral doses of ethyl gallate (20 mg/kg and 40 mg/kg) were given. The liver injury was assessed by the liver index, along with serum evaluations of liver functions and lipid profiles. A histopathology study was also performed. Triglyceride (TG) and sterol regulatory element-binding protein 1C (SREBP-1C) levels in the liver were also measured, and the liver's oxidative stress and inflammation were assessed. The results demonstrated that ethyl gallate could mitigate the liver injury, particularly when it was administered at the high dose. It resulted in a reduction in both the liver index and NAFLD activity score. In addition, it improved significantly the liver function and reduced serum TG levels. Furthermore, by decreasing the liver levels of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) and nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB), ethyl gallate showed an anti-inflammatory effect, and it also could reduce oxidative stress. Moreover, the high dose of ethyl gallate reduced the hepatic TG and SREBP-1C levels. In conclusion, by controlling lipid metabolism, lowering oxidative stress, and suppressing the NF-κB signaling pathway, ethyl gallate provides protection against NAFLD.