Effect of Indo-Mediterranean Diet on Hepatic Steatosis and Fibrosis in NAFLD Children

During the last decade, Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has become the most common cause of chronic hepatopathies in children and adolescents. NAFLD is considered as the hepatic manifestation of metabolic syndrome (MetS) and is defined as fat accumulation in the liver of patients who do not consume excessive amounts of alcohol. The mechanism of liver injury in NAFLD is considered to be a "Multiple hit process". The first "hit" leads to an increase in liver fat, while the next multiple factors lead to inflammation. In Developed countries, 4 to 11% of the general pediatric population is affected by NAFLD, reaching a rate of 70% among overweight and obese children. Lifestyle modification consisting of diet, exercise and weight loss has been proven to treat patients with NAFLD. Mediterranean diet (MD) has been largely evaluated for its beneficial effects in terms of prevention of obesity and MetS. Mediterranean diet is a nutritional model which has its origins in stated surrounding the Mediterranean Sea. MD patterns may vary among countries and regions owing to the cultural, ethnic, religious and agricultural differences. MD usually consists of eating primarily unrefined cereals, vegetables and fresh fruit, olive oil, nuts; eating fish, white meat, dairy products in moderation; limiting red meat, processed meats and sweets. MD helps to decrease hepatic fat by decreasing lipogenesis, fibrogenesis, inflammation, oxidative stress and by increasing fatty acids beta oxidation. MD is based on compounds, such as polyphenols, vitamins and other biomolecules that have anti inflammatory and antioxidant effects. It also has carotenoids and lycopenes which act as antioxidants. MD is characterized by high Mono unsaturated fatty acids content with a balanced Poly unsaturated fatty acids omega¬6 to omega¬3 ratio due to the abundance of vegetables, legumes, nuts, olive oil and fish (instead of red meats). There are numerous studies in adults showing benefit of Mediterranean diet in comparison with other diet in NAFLD, but data on children is very limited.

There are only two studies in children on the association between NAFLD and Mediterranean diet. Cakir et al first analysed in obese youth the association between MD adherance {as assessed by the Mediterranean diet quality index (KIDMED)} and NAFLD (as diagnosed by ultrasound and /or elevated ALT levels, as well exclusion of other causes of fatty liver). The authors evaluated overweight/obese children with (n=106) and without (n=21) NAFLD, as well as children (n=54) with normal BMI and without known chronic disease.Subjects with a low MD adherence were more likely to present with a higher BMI, though no correlation was found with other parameters including steatosis severity. Another study by Della Corte et al analysed the adherence to MD {as assessed by the Mediterranean diet quality index(KIDMED) score} in 243 overweight/obese youths with and without NAFLD. Of these, 100 underwent live biopsy. Poor adherance to MD was related to severity of liver damage as well as to higher levels of C-reactive Protein, Insulin and Homeostatic Model Assessment of Insulin Resistance (HOMA IR) values, thus suggesting increased inflammatory potential of unhealthy diets. In the Indian scenario, it will be very difficult to follow Mediterranean diet, so a concept of Indo-Mediterranean was diet was introduced in a study by Singh et al. Total 499 patients were allocated to a Indo -Mediterranean diet rich in whole grains, fruits, vegetables, walnuts, and almonds. 501 controls consumed a local diet similar to the step I National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP) prudent diet. It was seen that there was significant reduction in serum cholesterol concentration and other risk factors in both groups, but especially in the intervention diet (Indo -Mediterranean) group. Indo-Mediterranean diet was shown to reduce sudden cardiac death, Myocardial infarction, weight and BMI in Obese adults on follow up. In a study by Bharti et al, it was seen that Olive oil and Mustard oil are comparable and infact Mustard oil is suitable for Indian cooking settings, hence mustard oil can be used as instead of olive oil in Indo -Mediterranean diet. In summary, MD diet has been shown to be useful in NAFLD patients, also there is very limited data in pediatric literature about the advantages of MD in NAFLD children. The investigators aim compare the effect of Indo-Mediterranean diet and calorie restricted on hepatic steatosis and fibrosis in Overweight Indian children and adolescent with Biopsy proven NAFLD.