Lipocalin-2 is a biomarker in rat fatty liver induced by fructose-enriched diet

Introduction and aims: Hepatic steatosis is associated with metabolic syndrome; and through NASH, it could progress to cirrhosis and liver carcinoma. Since lipocalin-2 (LCN2) influences inflammatory and metabolic processes, we intended to examine LCN2 as a possible biomarker in various rat models of diet-triggered fatty liver. Methods: Fatty liver was induced in male Sprague Dawley rats fed with liquid Lieber-DeCarli (LDC) or LDC + 70% kcal fructose (L-HFr) diets for 4 or 8 weeks. Control group was fed with standard chow. Liver histology was studied for inflammation and fat degeneration by Hematoxylin-Eosin stai…