Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most common chronic liver disease in the world. Resveratrol is a polyphenolic compound with antioxidant capacity that shows beneficial effects on down-regulation of inflammatory mediators and metabolic disorders. We hypothesized that supplementation with resveratrol can further improve the efficacy of lifestyle modifications in the management of NAFLD. In this randomized, double-blinded, controlled clinical trial, 50 NAFLD patients were supplemented with either a 500-mg resveratrol capsule or a placebo capsule for 12 weeks. Both groups were advised to follow an energy-balanced diet and received physical activity recommendations. Serum liver enzymes, inflammatory markers, hepatic steatosis and fibrosis, dietary intake, anthropometric measurements, and physical activity were assessed at both baseline and the end of the study. In both groups, anthropometric measurements (weight, body mass index, waist circumference), liver enzymes, and steatosis grade improved (P < 005). Resveratrol supplementation was associated with a significant reduction in liver enzyme alanine aminotransferase, inflammatory cytokines, nuclear factor κB activity, serum cytokeratin-18, and hepatic steatosis grade, as compared with placebo supplementation (P < .05). For the treatment of NAFLD, our results showed that 12 weeks of supplementation of 500 mg resveratrol, along with lifestyle modification, is superior to lifestyle modification alone. This is at least partially due to the attenuation of inflammatory markers and hepatocellular apoptosis. More studies are needed to confirm and increase the clinical application of the present results.
Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02030977.
Keywords: Clinical trial; Fatty liver; Inflammation; NAFLD; Resveratrol.
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