Cholecalciferol (vitamin D 3) improves cognitive dysfunction and reduces inflammation in a rat fatty liver model of metabolic syndrome

Aim: The aim of this study was to examine the effects of cholecalciferol on systemic inflammation and memory in the setting of fatty liver disease in rats. Materials and methods: To induce the development of fatty liver disease, the rats were fed a 35% fructose solution over 8 weeks. Group I (n = 6) was designated as the control group and fed with standard rat chow. Group II (n = 6) was provided with, standard rat chow, and 03 mu g/kg/day of oral cholecalciferol over a duration of 2 weeks. In addition to standard rat chow, group III (n = 6) and group IV (n = 6) were given 4 mL of the 35% fructose solution per day via oral gavage for 8 weeks. However, group IV was also given 03 mu g/kg/day of oral cholecalciferol over 2 weeks. After the treatment period, passive avoidance tasks were performed by all groups. The liver and brain were harvested for subsequent biochemical and histopathologic analyses. Key findings: The development of fatty liver extends the memory latency period of passively avoiding tasks after I trial. Moreover, there were increases in brain TNF-alpha and plasma MDA levels according to two-way analysis of variance. Cholecalciferol supplementation decreased the latency period of passively avoiding tasks in rats with hepatosteatosis, and also significantly reduced brain TNF-alpha and plasma MDA levels. Significance: Fatty liver may contribute to the development of systemic inflammation, which affects cognition and causes deficits in memory; however, the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of vitamin D may improve the cognitive function of rats with hepatosteatosis. (C) 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.