Phloroglucinol Strengthens the Antioxidant Barrier and Reduces Oxidative/Nitrosative Stress in Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD)

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is one of the most commonly occurring diseases within western dietary patterns. Usually untreated, it may lead to type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), steatohepatitis (NASH), and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Besides its severe aftermath, up to now, there is no known therapeutic approach to this disease in everyday clinical practice. Most NAFLD patients are encouraged to do physical activities or diet change and remain without pharmacological treatment. In this study, we present phloroglucinol (PHG) as a novel and promising compound in NAFLD treatment. PHG significantly increased the level of enzymatic and nonenzymatic antioxidants both in palmitate and hydrogen peroxide-induced oxidative stress models. Strengthened antioxidative defense reduced the oxidative/nitrosative damage to cell proteins, lipids, and carbohydrates. Furthermore, PHG treatment reduced hepatic steatosis; lowered inflammatory markers, such as NF-κB or HIF-1α; and inhibited cell apoptosis. Moreover, PHG had a more comprehensive effect than other commonly used antioxidants: N-acetylcysteine (NAC) and α-lipoic acid (ALA), suggesting its clinical usability. Therefore, our paper supports the benefits of natural compounds as a therapeutical approach to NAFLD.