Study of Cellular Senescence and Vitamin D Deficiency in Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease and The Potential Protective Effect of Vitamin D Supplementation

Abstract Background Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a pathological process characterized by excessive hepatic fatty deposition with possible involvement of vitamin D deficiency and cellular senescence. The aim of this study is to investigate the pathophysiologic role of vitamin D deficiency and cellular senescence in NAFLD development. Moreover, it aims to investigate the potential protective role of vitamin D supplementation. Methods This is an experimental Case/Control study. Forty-five male albino rats were enrolled in this study. Animals were divided into 4 groups: Negative and positive control groups (10 for each group), a model of NAFLD (11) and vitamin D treated NAFLD groups (14). At the end of the experiment, all rats were subjected to the following investigation; Biochemical estimation of serum 25 hydroxycholecalciferol, Senescence marker protein - 30(SMP-30), Lipid profile and calculation of homeostatic model of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR). Results NAFLD group shows a significant increase in glucose, insulin levels and HOMA- IR as compared to both normal controls. This finding indicates the intimate association between insulin resistance and NAFLD pathogenesis. Moreover, it was found that NAFLD group shows a significant decrease in SMP-30 level as compared to normal controls. While Vitamin D-treated NAFLD group shows significant increased SMP-30 and decrease in HOMA-IR in comparison to non-treated NAFLD group. Conclusion Vitamin D deficiency and increased cellular senescence are key features of NAFLD. Vitamin D supplementation could play a protective role which needs further investigation including clinical human study.