الفهرس | Only 14 pages are availabe for public view |
Abstract Background: After the evolution in the treatment of hepatitis C viral infection, NASH becomes the most leading cause of liver cirrhosis in the world. Here, we thought about the inter-relationship between NASH and cognitive function. Accordingly, we aimed to investigate the effect of disturbed gut microbiota on the occurrence and progression of NASH and NASH associated cognitive dysfunction. Methods: Four groups (12 rats each) of male Wistar rats were used; Naïve control rats, Lactobacillus plantarum EMCC-1039 treated control rats, NASH rats and Lactobacillus plantarum EMCC-1039 treated NASH rats. (1.2 x 109 cfu/ml) of Lactobacillus plantarum EMCC-1039 was given daily by oral gavage in the last two weeks of experiment to treated groups. (Week 11 & 12). Results: Induction of NASH produced significant increase in body weight percentage change and lee index. It was associated with cognitive deficits, an increase in hepatic & hippocampal TLR4 & a decline in BDNF mRNA expression. There was significant decrease in number of viable cells and shrinking of pyramidal cells in hippocampus. Treatment with lactobacillus plantarum EMCC-1039 improved all these changes, the recognition index was improved. Hepatic & hippocampal TLR4 expression were decreased & BDNF mRNA expression level was increased. Additionally, Liver & hippocampal sections improved. Conclusion: Lactobacillus plantarum supplementation has a beneficial effect on NASH and NASH associated cognitive dysfunction. |