Spinach ameliorates dietary oxidized tallow-induced NAFLD by regulating inflammatory cytokines, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors, and antioxidant systems

Background: Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is one of the most prevalent chronic liver disorders globally and is a major clinical concern that is increasing in both industrialized and developing countries. Purpose: This study aimed to evaluate the ability of Spinacia oleracea dried powder in protecting rabbits from the toxicity caused by oxidized-tallow. Methods: Oxidized tallow and spinach powder were administered to the rabbits. The phenolic profile of spinach was studied using HPLC-DAD. Investigations were conducted on the liver phospholipid composition, liver-histology analysis, levels of antioxidants, liver-associated inflammatory cytokines, and the serum-lipid profile. Results: The findings revealed that the primary constituents of the extracts were gallic acid, luteolin-3-glucoside, kaempferol-3-glucoside, and chlorogenic acid. Histological and biochemical examination of the liver revealed greater fat storage in the OT-group than in the control or therapy groups. The OT-treated rabbits exhibited increased levels of hepatic inflammatory cytokines, decreased antioxidant status, and elevated lipid profiles. After consuming spinach, the levels of proinflammatory cytokines (IL-1, IL-4, IL-6, and TNF-α), PPARs, and antioxidants (CATs, SODs, TBARS, GSH-Px, and GSHs) returned to normal. Conclusion: Dried spinach powder is an excellent dietary source of liver-protective chemicals that ameliorate NAFLD by reducing proinflammatory cytokines and enhancing antioxidant status.