(P20-069-25) Comparative Analysis of Fat Sources in Infant Formulas and Their Metabolic Consequences in the Development of Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease in a Pediatric Pig Model

Objectives: We previously reported that the onset and progression of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) from steatosis to non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) occurs rapidly in neonatal pigs fed formulas rich in the medium-chain fatty acid (MCFA) laurate. It remains unclear whether this steatotic effect is specific to laurate or extends to other MCFAs such as octanoate and decanoate. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the impact of formulas rich in laurate (C12), octanoate (C8) and decanoate (C10), and long-chain fatty acids ( > C16) on NAFLD development.

Methods: Pigs (n=8/group) were fed isocaloric formulas containing either soybean oil (SOY; >C16), coconut oil (COC, C12), or medium-chain triglyceride oil (MCT; C8 and C10) for 21 d.

Results: Body weight was not different among pigs irrespective of formula. However, whole body and central adiposity were greatest for pigs fed SOY than those fed MCT and intermediate for those fed the COC formula (P ≤ 0.05). Liver weight, liver fat, and liver fat percentage were greatest for pigs fed the COC, least for those fed the MCT, and intermediate for those fed the SOY formula (P < 0.05). Steatosis grade was greatest in COC group followed by SOY and least in MCT group (P = 0.06). Pigs in the SOY group were diagnosed with borderline NASH, those in the COC group borderline and definitive NASH, while those in the MCT group varied from simple steatosis to definitive NASH (P < 0.05). Plasma concentrations of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) were greater for pigs fed the SOY compared with those fed the COC and MCT formulas (P < 0.05). Expression of acetyl-CoA carboxylase and fatty acid synthase mRNA was upregulated in the MCT group compared with the COC group, and intermediate in the SOY group (P < 0.05). Additionally, acyl-CoA dehydrogenase expression was greatest in the MCT group, while peroxisomal acyl-CoA oxidase expression was least than the other groups (P < 0.05).

Conclusions: These findings suggest that formula fat composition influenced NAFLD development. A neonatal formula rich in medium-chain triglyceride oil reduced hepatic steatosis, whole body, and central adiposity compared with formulas rich in coconut or soybean oils.

Funding Sources: None