Objective: To observe the treatment efficacy of Allicin and effects on tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α)

sterol regulatoryelement binding protein-1c (SREBP-1c) protein levels in model rats of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)

and to investigate the molecular mechanism. Method: seventy-six male SD rats were randomly divided into normal group (n=12) and model group (n=64). NAFLD models were established by high fat diet

and the rats in model group were further randomly divided into model group

fenofibrate group (50 mg·kg-1·d-1)

allicin low dose

middle dose and high dose groups (10

30

60 mg·kg-1·d-1)

n=12 in each group. The rats in fenofibrate group and allicin groups received corresponding doses of drugs by ig

and the rats in normal group and model group were given with the same volume of normal saline. After 4 weeks of intervention

the animals were sacrificed. The contents of total cholesterol (TG)

triglyceride (TC)

alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) in serum and liver tissues were detected. The pathological changes of liver tissues were observed by haematoxylin-eosin(HE) staining. TNF-α and SREBP-1c protein expression levels in liver tissues were detected by immunohistochemistry. Result: As compared with the normal group

the TG and TC levels in serum and liver tissues

ALT and AST levels in liver tissues

as well as TNF-α and SREBP-1c protein expression levels in liver tissues were significantly increased in rats of model group (P < 0.05

P < 0.01). As compared with the model group

the TG and TC levels in serum and liver tissues

ALT and AST levels in liver tissues

as well as TNF-α and SREBP-1c protein expression levels in liver tissues were significantly decreased in rats of fenofibrate group

allicin low dose

middle dose and high dose groups (P < 0.05

P < 0.01) Conclusion: Allicin has lipid lowering and liver protective effect in NAFLD model rats induced by high fat diet

and the mechanism may be relevant to reducing the protein expression levels of TNF-α and SREBP-1c.