Protective effects of Lactobacillus casei and Chlorella vulgaris on cardiac gene expression (NF-κB, Nrf-2) and structural alterations in a C57BL/6 mouse model of MASLD.

Background: Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is the most frequent chronic liver disease. The literature strongly links MASLD to increased epicardial fat thickness, left ventricular hypertrophy, and valvular calcifications. The effects of Lactobacillus casei and Chlorella vulgaris microalgae on MASLD prevention are good. NF-kB, Nrf-2, and cardiac tissue structural alterations in C57BL/6 mice produced MASLD were studied. Methods and results: Forty adult male C57BL/6 mice were allocated to five groups: control (CTL, standard chow), MASLD (high fat diet for 6 weeks), MASLD + Chlorella vulgaris (150 mg/kg), and MASLD + Lactobacillus casei (108 CFU/ml). Oral gavage needle-treated mice for 35 days. After blood drawing, dissection, and preparation, heart tissue stereology was assessed. Real-time RT PCR was used to analyze NF-kB and Nrf-2 gene expression, and calorimetric methods were used to measure SOD, GPX, catalase, TAC, MDA, and LDH enzyme activity. NF-kB gene expression, ALT, LDH, AST enzyme activity, MDA concentration, left ventricle volume, cardiomyocyte volume, connective tissue volume, and capillary length increased significantly (p < 0.05). The treated groups showed significant decreases in NF-kB gene expression, ALT, LDH, AST, enzymes, MDA concentration, left ventricle volume, cardiomyocyte volume, connective tissue volume, capillary length, Nrf-2 gene expression, and SOD, GPX, and TAC enzyme activity (p < 0.05). Conclusion: The present study showed that MASLD causes structural changes in the heart tissue to some extent. Also, administration of Chlorella vulgaris and Lactobacillus casei can reduce complications caused by MASLD.