The effect of oleoylethanolamide supplementation in combination with weight loss diet on oxidative stress status in adult patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease

Abstract

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is one of the most common chronic liver diseases and its prevalence is increasing rapidly. Oxidative stress and increased production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) increase the peroxidation of fats in the liver cell membrane and play a significant role in the development of NAFLD. Oleylethanolamide (OEA), as an endocannabinoid-like compound, has an important effect on energy homeostasis and food intake control. This trial investigated the effects of OEA administration on oxidative stress and antioxidant parameters including serum levels of glutathione peroxidase (GPX), superoxide dismutase (SOD), malondialdehyde (MDA) and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) in patients with NAFLD. Methods: The present randomized controlled trial was conducted on 60 obese patients with NAFLD. The patients were treated with OEA (250 mg/day) or placebo along with a low-calorie diet for 12 weeks. Oxidative stress and antioxidant parameters were assessed pre-and post-intervention. Results: Serum levels of TAC and SOD significantly increased (P=0.039, 0.018) and serum concentrations of MDA significantly decreased in the OEA group compared to placebo at the study endpoint (P=0.003). However, no significant between-group difference was found in serum level of GPX. There were significant correlations between percent of changes in serum oxidative stress and antioxidant parameters with percent of changes in some anthropometric indices in the intervention group (P<0.05).