Effect of green coffee extract supplementation on serum adiponectin concentration and lipid profile in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: A randomized, controlled trial

Abstract

Objectives: The current study evaluated the effects of green coffee extract (GCE) on serum lipid profile and adiponectin levels in patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).

Design: This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial was conducted on NAFLD patients aged 20-60 years and body mass index (BMI) of 25-35 kg/m².

Setting: Patients were recruited from the Bahman poly-clinic (Neyshabur, Iran) between January and June 2016.

Interventions: The study subjects were randomly assigned to receive a daily dose of 400 mg GCE (n = 24) or placebo (n = 24) for eight weeks.

Main outcome measures: Serum liver enzyme levels, lipid profile, adiponectin concentrations, and hepatic steatosis grade were measured for all patients at baseline and the end of the trial.

Results: GCE supplementation significantly reduced BMI [mean difference (MD): -0.57 and 95 % confidence interval (CI): -0.84 to -0.29, P < 0.001] and increased serum high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (MD: 7.06, 95 % CI: 0.25-13.87, P < 0.05) compared to the control group. Serum total cholesterol decreased significantly within the GCE group (MD: -13.33, 95 % CI: -26.04 to -0.61, P < 0.05). Triglyceride levels reduced significantly in GCE group compared to the placebo group (MD: -37.91; 95 % CI: -72.03 to -3.80; P = 0.03). However, this reduction was not significant when was further adjusted for mean changes in BMI and daily energy intake (MD: -23.43; 95 % CI: -70.92 to 24.06; P = 0.32). Hepatic steatosis grade, liver enzymes, and adiponectin levels did not show significant differences between the two groups after the intervention.

Conclusions: GCE supplementation improved serum lipid profile and BMI in individuals with NAFLD. GCE may be useful in controlling NAFLD risk factors.

Keywords: Adiponectin; Clinical trial; Green coffee extract; Lipid profile; Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.