Effect of calcium-sulphate-bicarbonate water in a murine model of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: a histopathology study

The progression of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is associated with alterations of the gut-liver axis. The activation of toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) pathways by endotoxins, such as lipopolysaccharide (LPS), contributes to liver injury. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the possible beneficial effects of a calcium-sulphate-bicarbonate natural mineral water on the gut-liver axis by evaluating liver and terminal ileum histopathology in a murine model of NAFLD. NAFLD was induced in mice by administrating a methionine-choline-deficient (MCD) diet. The following experimental groups were evaluated: controls (N = 10); MCD+Tap water (MCD; N = 10); MCD+Calcium-sulphate-bicarbonate water (MCD/W-csb; N = 10). Mice were euthanised after 4 and 8 weeks. Liver and terminal ileum samples were collected. Samples were studied by histomorphology, immunohistochemistry, and immunofluorescence. In mice subjected to the MCD diet, treatment with mineral water improved inflammation and fibrosis, and was associated with a reduced number of activated hepatic stellate cells when compared to MCD mice not treated with mineral water. Moreover, MCD/W-csb mice showed lower liver LPS localization and less activation of TLR4 pathways compared to the MCD. Finally, W-csb treatment was associated with improved histopathology and higher occludin positivity in intestinal mucosa. In conclusion, calcium-sulphate-bicarbonate water may exert modulatory activity on the gut-liver axis in MCD mice, suggesting potential beneficial effects on NAFLD.