Dietary vitamin B6 and the pathophysiology of Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)

Ava Rasouli
MSc Student
Department of Biochemistry

Date: April 3, 2023
Time: 1:00pm – 2:00pm.
Room: CSF 1302

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a multifactorial disorder affecting many people worldwide. Several studies have indicated the association between dietary micronutrients and the development of NAFLD. For example, vitamin B6 deficiency impairs one-carbon (1C) metabolism and triggers fat accumulation. The objective of this study was to assess the effects of vitamin B6 supplementation on the onset and progression of NAFLD through its role in 1C metabolism, expecting that micronutrient supplementation prevents or attenuates NAFLD manifestation.

A total of thirty-two male C57BL/6J (B6) mice were fed either control, high-fat, high-sugar (HFHS), HFHS high in vitamin B6, and HFHS low in vitamin B6 for eight weeks. Body weights were measured weekly, and urine and fecal samples were collected at three time points. At the end of the study, blood and tissue samples were collected for biochemical analysis.

The body weights of HFHS-LB6 mice were significantly lower compared to the control and HFHS mice and percentage liver weight was significantly higher in the HFHS-LB6 group compared to the other groups. Jejunum and Ileum lengths were increased in the HFHS-LB6 group and HFHS groups, respectively, compared to the other groups. Interestingly, liver triglyceride concentration was also significantly higher in HFHS-LB6 group compared to the other three groups. This study suggests that dietary vitamin B6 supplementation does not prevent body weight gain but lowers liver triglyceride content. Other biochemical analyses will be conducted to determine the effects of vitamin B6 on the pathophysiology of NAFLD, including clinical markers and liver metabolites.