Tuning the selectivity of natural oils and fatty acids/esters deoxygenation to biofuels and fatty alcohols:A review

The chemical transformation of natural oils provides alternatives to limited fossil fuels and produces compounds with added value for the chemical industries.The selective deoxygenation of natural oils to diesel-ranged hydrocarbons,bio-jet fuels,or fatty alcohols with controllable selectivity is especially attractive in natural oil feedstock biorefineries.This review presents recent progress in catalytic deoxygenation of natural oils or related model compounds(e.g.,fatty acids)to renewable liquid fuels(green diesel and bio-jet fuels)and valuable fatty alcohols(unsaturated and saturated fatty alcohols).Besides,it discusses and compares the existing and potential strategies to control the product selectivity over heterogeneous catalysts.Most research conducted and reviewed has only addressed the production of one category;therefore,a new integrative vision exploring how to direct the process toward fuel and/or chemicals is urgently needed.Thus,work conducted to date addressing the development of new catalysts and studying the influence of the reaction parameters(e.g.,temperature,time and hydrogen pressure)is summarized and critically discussed from a green and sustainable perspective using efficiency indicators(e.g.,yields,selectivity,turnover frequencies and catalysts lifetime).Special attention has been given to the chemical transformations occurring to identify key descriptors to tune the selectivity toward target products by manipulating the reaction conditions and the structures of the catalysts.Finally,the challenges and future research goals to develop novel and holistic natural oil biorefineries are proposed.As a result,this critical review provides the readership with appropriate information to selectively control the transformation of natural oils into either biofuels and/or value-added chemicals.This new flexible vision can help pave the wave to suit the present and future market needs.

SYNIHESIS AND SURFACE ACTIVE PROPERTIES OF OXYETHYLENATED FATTY ALCOHOL 2-HYDROXYPROPYL SULFONATES

Synthesis and surface active properties of the oxyethylenated fatty alcohol 2-hydroxypropyl sulfonates were investigated.Of all surface active compounds studied,those with a 2-hydroxypropyl (HP) moiety in the molecule are more surface-active than the corresponding compounds without it.

The effect of lengths of branched-chain fatty alcohols on the efficacy and safety of docetaxel-prodrug nanoassemblies

The self-assembly prodrugs are usually consisted of drug modules,activation modules,and assembly modules.Keeping the balance between efficacy and safety by selecting suitable modules remains a challenge for developing prodrug nanoassemblies.This study designed four docetaxel(DTX)prodrugs using disulfide bonds as activation modules and different lengths of branched-chain fatty alcohols as assembly modules(C_(16),C_(18),C_(20),and C_(24)).The lengths of the assembly modules determined the self-assembly ability of prodrugs and affected the activation modules’sensitivity.The extension of the carbon chains improved the prodrugs’self-assembly ability and pharmacokinetic behavior while reducing the cytotoxicity and increased cumulative toxicity.The use of C_(20) can balance efficacy and safety.These results provide a great reference for the rational design of prodrug nanoassemblies.

Comparison between metabolic-associated fatty liver disease and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease:From nomenclature to clinical outcomes

As a result of the obesity epidemic,Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease(NAFLD)and its complications have increased among millions of people.Consequently,a group of experts recommended changing the term NAFLD to an inclusive terminology more reflective of the underlying pathogenesis;metabolic-associated fatty liver disease(MAFLD).This new term of MAFLD has its own disease epidemiology and clinical outcomes prompting efforts in studying its differences from NAFLD.This article discusses the rationale behind the nomenclature change,the main differences,and its clinical implications.

Distribution of microbial fatty acids and fatty alcohols in soils from an altitude transect of Mt. Jianfengling in Hainan, China: Implication for paleoaltimetry and paleotemperature reconstruction

The temperature gradient along the altitude transect of Mt. Jianfengling provides a good opportunity to establish and evaluate the microbial lipid-based environmental proxies. The soils collected from 14 different altitudes of Mt. Jianfengling contain abundant microbial fatty acids and fatty alcohols, including iso/anteiso fatty acids （i/aC12：0-i[aCl9：0）, 10-Me-C16：0 fatty acid, iso/anteiso fatty alcohols （i/aC13-iC26）, 10-Me-C16：0 fatty alcohol and unsaturated fatty alcohols, which can indicate a strong microbial activity in the Jianfengling soils. The branched and unsaturated fatty alcohols can be only detected when saponifica- tion is performed, implying that these lipids are present as the constituents of bacterial wax esters in the soils. The ratio of aC15/iC15 fatty acids is positively correlated with altitude, suggesting that the decrease in temperature can induce the increase in the relative abundance of anteiso C^5 fatty acid. In contrast, the ratio of aCJiC15 fatty alcohols and of aCjs/nC15 fatty alco- hols both decrease with increased altitude or decreased temperature. Similarly, the ratio of nC18：l/nCi8：0 fatty alcohols also de- creases with decreased temperature, which is opposite to the previous observation that unsaturation of fatty acids in microor- ganism increases in response to decreased temperature. Besides, the average chain length （ACL） of long chain fatty alcohols （C22-C30） from leaf waxes and carbon preference index （CPI） of all n-fatty alcohols are also significantly correlated with alti- tude or mean annual temperature, demonstrating their potential for paleoclimate reconstruction. The correlation of microbial fatty acids and alcohols as well as ACL and CPI of plant wax-derived fatty alcohols with altitude may provide novel ways to reconstruct paleotemperature and paleoaltimetry.

Comparison of Hair Fatty Alcohols by N-Alkylpyridinium Isotope Quaternization and Matrix-assisted Laser Desorptionl ionization Mass Spectrometry for Drug Abuse Monitoring

Based on our previous report on N-alkylpyridinium isotope quaternization （NAPIQ） for the analysis of alcoholic and α,β-unsaturated ketone compounds, we have further applied NAPIQ method in the screening of hair lipids in drug abusers. Relative isotopic quantification was used for comparison of fatty alcohols between normal and drug abuse group, The NAPIQ strategy was proven to be a high-throughput method in the metabolic comparison studies of different group samples. The attached N-cationic pyridinium significantly improved the detection sensitivity for these fatty alcohols in matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometric （MALDI-FTMS） analysis. The experimental results showed that the levels of fatty alcohols in the hair of heroin abuse group decreased significantly compared with the normal groups, which may be the results of the inducing of peroxidation enzyme. NAPIQ was proven to be an effective and alternative method in the research of fatty alcoholic metabolism for drug abuse monitoring.

Experimental study of osthole on treatment of hyperlipidemic and alcoholic fatty liver in animals

AIM： To evaluate the effects of osthole on fatty liver, and investigate the possible mechanism. METHODS： A quail model with hyperlipidemic fatty liver and rat model with alcoholic fatty liver were set up by feeding high fat diet and alcohol, respectively. These experimental animals were then treated with osthole 5-20 mg/kg for 6 wk, respectively. Whereafter, the lipid in serum and hepatic tissue, and coefficient of hepatic weight were measured. RESULTS： After treatment with osthole the levels of serum total cholesterol （TC）, triglyceride （TG）, lower density lipoprotein-cholesterol （LDL-C）, coefficient of hepatic weight, and the hepatic tissue contents of TC and TG were significantly decreased. The activity of superoxide dismutase （SOD） in liver was improved. In alcohol-induced fatty liver rats, the level of malondialdehyde （MDA） in liver was decreased. In high fat-induced fatty liver quails, glutathione peroxidase （GSH-PX） in liver was significantly improved. The histological evaluation of liver specimens demonstrated that the osthole dramatically decreased lipid accumulation. CONCLUSION： These results suggested that osthole had therapeutic effects on both alcohol and high fatinduced fatty liver. The mechanism might be associated with its antioxidation.

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and thyroid dysfunction:A systematic review

Thyroid hormones are totally involved in the regulation of body weight, lipid metabolism, and insulin resistance. Therefore it is anticipated that thyroid hormones may have a role in the pathogenesis of non alcoholic fatty liver disease(NAFLD) and non alcoholic steatohepatitis(NASH). In this study, we reviewed the current literature on the association between thyroid dysfunction and NAFLD/NASH. A search for English language medical literature reporting an association between thyroid dysfunction and NAFLD/NASH in humans was conducted across PubMed, ISI Web of Science, and Scopus in August, 2013. Out of 140 studies initially identified through the search, 11 relevant articles were included in the final review. Thyroid dysfunctions in the form of overt or subclinical hypothyroidism are prevalent among patients with NAFLD/NASH. Hypothyroidism appears to be an independent risk factor for NAFLD/NASH in some studies; however, other newly published studies failed to find such anassociation. The results of the studies on the role of thyroid abnormalities in NAFLD/NASH are inconsistent, and further research is recommended to determine the relationship between hypothyroidism and NAFLD/NASH and the underlying mechanisms.

Surgically induced weight loss by gastric bypass improves non alcoholic fatty liver disease in morbid obese patients

AIM: To evaluate the effects of surgical weight loss (Roux-en-Y gastric bypass with a modified Fobi-Capella technique) on non alcoholic fatty liver disease in obese patients.

Significance of gut microbiota in alcoholic and non-alcoholic fatty liver diseases

Liver-gut communication is vital in fatty liver diseases,and gut microbes are the key regulators in maintaining liver homeostasis.Chronic alcohol abuse and persistent overnutrition create dysbiosis in gut ecology,which can contribute to fatty liver disease.In this review,we discuss the gut microbial compositional changes that occur in alcoholic and nonalcoholic fatty liver diseases and how this gut microbial dysbiosis and its metabolic products are involved in fatty liver disease pathophysiology.We also summarize the new approaches related to gut microbes that might help in the diagnosis and treatment of fatty liver disease.

Desmethylbellidifolin protects against chronic alcoholic fatty liver disease by regulating Akt-mTORC1 pathway mediated autophagy

OBJECTIVE To investigate the protective effect and potential mechanism of desmethylbellidifolin(DMB)in chronic alcoholic fatty liver disease.METHODS C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into five groups.Control,metadoxine and DMB group(high dose and low dose)mice were fed with Lieber-DeCarli liquid diet containing 5%alcohol for six weeks.Pair-fed group mice were fed with a liquid diet containing the same calories.After treatment,serum GOT,GPT,TG and hepatic T-CHO,TG,GSH,GSH-Px,SOD and CAT levels were measured.Ectopic liver lipid deposition was determined by oil red O and hematoxylin-eosin(HE)staining.Lipid metabolism and autophagy related genes expression were determined by real-time PCR and Western blotting.Electron microscope and laser scanning confocal microscope were used to detect autophagosome and autophagy flux.RESULTS DMB treatment markedly reduced serum TG,GOT and GPT levels in alcohol-induced mice,as well as hepatic levels of T-CHO,TG and MDA,while increased the GSH,GSH-Px,SOD and CAT levels in the liver.Oil red O and HE staining showed that the alcohol-induced lipid accumulation and hepatocyte morphology changes were significantly improved by DMB treatment.Mechanistically,the expression of stearoyl-CoA desaturase 1 and fatty acid synthase were significantly decreased,while lipolysis related hormone-sensitive lipase was elevated in mouse liver by DMB treatment.In addition,DMB could inhibit the phosphorylation of Akt and mTORC1,and activate autophagy process by inducing autophagy related genes expression,such as LC3,ATG5 and ATG7.Moreover,treatment with DMB notably increased the number of autolysosome and promote the autophagy flux,which may therefore induce the lipolysis and oxidation of lipids and prevent the alcohol-induced excessive lipid accumulation in the liver.CONCLUSION DMB exerts a protective role in alcoholic fatty liver disease by regulating the Akt-mTORC1 pathway mediated autophagy activation.

Research on the Mechanism of the treatment of non‑alcoholic fatty liver by Jianwei Gexia Zhuyu Decoction based on network pharmacology and molecular docking

Objective:To analyse the key compounds,targets and pathways of the treatment of non‑alcoholic fatty liver disease(NAFLD)by Jianwei Gexia Zhuyu Decoction based on network pharmacology,in order to explore the molecular mechanism of its therapeutic effects.Methods:The differential genes between sick and normal conditions were screened by GEO‑Datasets,and the heat map and volcano map were drawn.The active compounds in Jianwei Gexia Zhuyu Decoction were searched by TCMSP platform and Drugbank database.OB≥30%and DL≥0.18 were set as thresholds to screen potential active compounds and action targets.The molecular target maps of Jianwei Gexia Zhuyu Decoction and NAFLD differential genes were constructed,and the PPI network and network topology parameters were obtained by STRING database.The PPI network and network topology parameters were visually analyzed by Cytoscape,and the core regulatory genes were screened.At the same time,the SwissDock platform was used to dock the main active components with the target.The main pathways were determined by GO biological function enrichment analysis and KEGG metabolic pathway enrichment analysis by DAVID.Results:After screening,377 differential genes(127 up‑regulated genes and 250 down‑regulated genes),225 active compounds of Jianwei Gexia Zhuyu Decoction,308 corresponding targets were obtained;14 key targets were screened,corresponding to 168 compounds,and the key targets involved MYC,FOSL2,FOS,etc.The results of GO functional enrichment analysis showed that Jianwei Gexia Zhuyu Decoction mainly regulated the activity expression of DNA binding transcriptional activator and the specific transcription of RNA polymeraseⅡ;The results of molecular docking showed that the main active components quercetin and baicalein had good binding activity with VCAM1,HSPB1,MYC,JUN and so on;The results of KEGG enrichment analysis showed that it was mainly involved in IL‑17 signal pathway,Wnt receptor signal pathway,NF‑κB signal pathway,TNF signal pathway and AGE‑RAGE signal pathway in diabetic complications.Conclusion:Through the interaction of multi‑components and multi‑targets,Jianwei Gexia Zhuyu Decoction has achieved the goal of overall treatment of NAFLD from many ways.The application of network pharmacology provides a new research approach and scientific basis for further study on the mechanism of Jianwei Gexia Zhuyu Decoction in the treatment of NAFLD.

Studies on Production of Biodiesel by Esterification of Fatty Acids by a Lipase Preparation from Candida sp. 99-125

A self-made lipase preparation from Candida sp. 99-125 was used for the production of biodiesel through enzymatic esterification of fatty acids. The crude lipase powder and fermentation broth were immobilized on a cheap fiber cloth carrier. The conditions of lipase-catalyzed esterification between long-chain fatty acids and methanol in a solvent system were investigated in detail, including the temperature, pH value, substrate concentration, solvent, absorbent agent, enzyme dosage and purity, immobilization method, the mode of addition of substrate. The results show that reaction temperature, pH of lipase micro-environment, substrate concentration, enzyme dosage and purity affect the esterification strongly. Several new methods and enzymatic procedures for improving the enzymatic reaction involving the process cost are also discussed, such as fossil diesel fuel as reaction solvent, immobilization method, multi-step gradient addition of methanol. The esterification degree of 92.8% was obtained with oleic acid and methanol under the optimal reaction condition after 12.5 h reaction time. The half-life of the immobilized lipase preparation from crude free lipase powder for esterification was 15 days.

Pediatric fatty liver disease:Role of ethnicity and genetics

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) comprehends a wide range of conditions, encompassing from fatty liver or steatohepatitis with or without fibrosis, to cirrhosis and its complications. NAFLD has become the most common form of liver disease in childhood as its prevalence has more than doubled over the past 20 years, paralleling the increased prevalence of childhood obesity. It currently affects between 3% and 11% of the pediatric population reaching the rate of 46% among overweight and obese children and adolescents. The prevalence of hepatic steatosis varies among different ethnic groups. The ethnic group with the highest prevalence is the Hispanic one followed by the Caucasian and the African-American. This evidence suggests that there is a strong genetic background in the predisposition to fatty liver. In fact, since 2008 several common gene variants have been implicated in the pathogenesis of fatty liver disease. The most important is probably the patatin like phospholipase containing domain 3 gene (PNPLA3) discovered by the Hobbs’ group in 2008. This article reviews the current knowledge regarding the role of ethnicity and genetics in pathogenesis of pediatric fatty liver.

Dietary supplementation in patients with alcoholic liver disease: a review on current evidence

BACKGROUND：Alcoholic liver disease（ALD）is one of the main causes of liver disease worldwide.Although the pathogenesis of ALD has not yet been well elucidated,the oxidative metabolites of ethanol such as acetaldehyde and reactive oxygen species play a pivotal role in the clinical and pathological spectrum of the disease.This review summarizes the existing evidences on dietary supplements considered to have antioxidant,and/or anti-inflammatory properties,and their role in the management of ALD and the proposed mechanisms.DATA SOURCES：The present study reviewed all studies published in Pub Med,Science Direct and Scopus,from 1959 to2015,indicating the role of different dietary supplementation in attenuation of many pathophysiological processes involved in development and progression of ALD.Full-texts of citations were used except for those that were published in languages other than English.RESULTS：Significant progress has been made to understand the key events and molecular players for the onset and progression of ALD from both experimental and clinical studies;however,there is no successful treatment currently available.The present review discussed the role of a variety of dietary supplements（e.g.vitamin A,carotenoids,vitamins B3,C and E,in addition to antioxidants and anti-inflammatory agents）in treating ALD.It has been shown that supplementation with some carotenoids,vitamin B3,vitamin C,silymarin,curcumin,probiotics,zinc,S-adenosylmethionine and garlic may havepotential beneficial effects in animal models of ALD;however,the number of clinical studies is very limited.In addition,supplementation should be accompanied with alcohol cessation.CONCLUSIONS：Since oxidative stress and inflammation are involved in the pathogenesis of ALD,dietary supplements that can modulate these pathologies could be useful in the treatment of ALD.In addition to alcohol cessation,these supplements have shown beneficial effects on animal models of ALD.Clinical trials are needed to validate the beneficiary role of these supplements in patients with ALD.

Obese children with fatty liver: Between reality and disease mongering

Following the current epidemic of obesity, the worldwide prevalence of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease(NAFLD)has increased with potential serious health implications. While it is established that in adults NAFLD can progress to end-stage liver disease in many cases, the risk of progression during childhood is less well defined. Since most obese children are not adherent to lifestyle modifications and hypocaloric diets, there is a growing number of studies on pharmacological interventions with the risk of disease mongering, the practice of widening the boundaries of illness in order to expand the markets for treatment. Here, we propose a critical appraisal of the best available evidence about long-term course of pediatric NAFLD and efficacy of treatments other than hypocaloric diet and physical exercise. As a result, the number of NAFLD children with a poor outcome is small in spite of the alarming tones used in some papers; large-scale longitudinal studies with longterm follow-up of pediatric NAFLD patients are lacking; the studies on ancillary pharmacological interventions have been performed in few patients with inconclusive and conflicting results.

Intestinal virome:An important research direction for alcoholic and nonalcoholic liver diseases

In recent years,the interaction between the gut microflora and liver diseases has attracted much attention.The intestinal microflora is composed of bacteria,archaea,fungi and viruses.There are few studies on the intestinal virome,and whether it has a causal relationship with bacterial changes in the gut is still unclear.However,it is undeniable that the intestinal virome is also a very important portion of the blueprint for the development of liver diseases and the diagnosis and therapeutic modalities in the future.

Analysis of docosanol using GC/MS:Method development,validation,and application to ex vivo human skin permeation studies

Docosanol is the only US Food and Drug Administration(FDA)approved over-the-counter topical product for treating recurrent oral-facial herpes simplex labialis.Validated analytical methods for docosanol are required to demonstrate the bioequivalence of docosanol topical products.A gas chromatography/selected ion monitoring mode mass spectrometry(GC/SIM-MS)method was developed and validated for docosanol determination in biological samples.Docosanol and isopropyl palmitate(internal standard)were separated on a high-polarity GC capillary column with(88%cyanopropy)aryl-polysiloxane employed as the stationary phase.The ions of m/z 83 and 256 were selected to monitor docosanol and isopropyl palmitate,respectively;the total run time was 20 min.The GC/SIM-MS method was validated in accordance with US FDA guidelines,and the results met the US FDA acceptance criteria.The docosanol calibration standards were linear in the 100-10000 ng/mL concentration range(R^(2)>0.994).The recoveries for docosanol from the receptor fluid and skin homogenates were>93.2%and>95.8%,respectively.The validated method was successfully applied to analyze ex vivo human cadaver skin permeation samples.On applying Abreva®cream tube and Abreva®cream pump,the amount of docosanol that penetrated human cadaver skin at 48 h was 21.5±7.01 and 24.0±6.95 ng/mg,respectively.Accordingly,we concluded that the validated GC/SIM-MS was sensitive,specific,and suitable for quantifying docosanol as a quality control tool.This method can be used for routine analysis as a costeffective alternative to other techniques.

Chronic exposure to ethanol causes steatosis and inflammation in zebrafish liver

AIM To evaluate the effects of chronic exposure to ethanol in the liver and the expression of inflammatory genesin zebrafish.METHODS Zebrafish(n = 104),wild type,adult,male and female,were divided into two groups:Control and ethanol(0.05 v/v).The ethanol was directly added into water;tanks water were changed every two days and the ethanol replaced.The animals were fed twice a day with fish food until satiety.After two and four weeks of trial,livers were dissected,histological analysis(hematoxilineosin and Oil Red staining) and gene expression assessment of adiponectin,adiponectin receptor 2(adipor2),sirtuin-1(sirt-1),tumor necrosis factor-alpha(tnf-a),interleukin-1b(il-1b) and interleukin-10(il-10) were performed.Ultrastructural evaluations were conducted at fourth week.RESULTS Exposing zebrafish to 0.5% ethanol developed intense liver steatosis after four weeks,as demonstrated by oil red staining.In ethanol-treated animals,the main ultrastructural changes were related to cytoplasmic lipid particles and droplets,increased number of rough endoplasmic reticulum cisterns and glycogen particles.Between two and four weeks,hepatic mR NA expression of il-1b,sirt-1 and adipor2 were upregulated,indicating that ethanol triggered signaling molecules which are key elements in both hepatic inflammatory and protective responses.Adiponectin was not detected in the liver of animals exposed and not exposed to ethanol,and il-10 did not show significant difference.CONCLUSION Data suggest that inflammatory signaling and ultrastructural alterations play a significant role during hepatic steatosis in zebrafish chronically exposed to ethanol.

Epidemiological and histopathological study of relevance of Guizhou Maotai liquor and liver diseases

AIM: To explore the relevance of Maotai liquor and liver diseases. METHODS: Epidemiological study was conducted on groups of subjects, each consisting of 3 subjects from the Maotai liquor group consisting of 99 individuals and one from the non-alcoholic control group consisting of 33 individuals. Liver biopsy was performed on 23 volunteers from Guizhou Maotai Distillery who had a constant and long history of drinking Maotai liquor. Experimental histopathological study was conducted as follows: sixty male Wistar rats were divided into 3 groups randomly and fed with Maotai liquor, ordinary white wine, and physiological saline respectively for a period of 8 and 12 weeks. The rats were sacrificed in batches, then serum ALT, AST, TBil, and AKP were measured. Rat livers were harvested to measure the liver indexes, GSH, and MDA. Histopathological examinations were also performed. Another eighty mice were randomly divided into 4 groups and fed with Maotai (at different dosages of 10 ml.kg(-1) and 20 ml.kg(-1)), ethanol, and physiological saline. The animals were sacrificed after 4 weeks and serum ALT was determined. Then the livers were harvested and liver indexes and MDA were measured. RESULTS: The incidence rate of hepatic symptoms, splenomegaly, liver function impairment, reversal of Albumin/Globulin and increased diameter of portal veins in the Maotai liquor group were 1.0% 1/99 , 1.0% 1/99 , 1.0% 1/99 , 1.0% 1/99 , 0 0/99 and 0 0/99 , 0 0/99 ,0 0/99 , 0 0/99 , 0 0/99 , respectively. There was no significant difference between the Maotai group and the non-alcoholic control group P】0.05 . Various degree of fatty infiltration of hepatocytes was found in the 23 volunteers receiving liver biopsy, but there was no obvious hepatic fibrosis or cirrhosis. A comparison was made between the Maotai liquor group and the ordinary white wine group. It was found that hepatic MDA in rats and mice were 0.33+/-0.10 and 0.49+/-0.23 respectively in Maotai group and 0.61+/-0.22 and 0.66+/-0.32 in the ordinary white wine group; MDA had an obvious decrease in the Maotai liquor group (P【0.05); hepatic GSH were 0.12 mg.g(-1)+/-0.06 mg.g(-1) in rats of the Maotai liquor group and (0.08+/-0.02)mg.g(-1) in white wine group, it was obviously increased in the Maotai liquor group (P【0.05). After the 20 rats had been fed with ordinary white wine for 8 weeks consecutively, disarranged hepatocyte cords, fatty infiltration of hepatocytes, and fibrous septa of varying widths due to hepatic connective tissues proliferation were observed; after 12 weeks, the fibrous tissue proliferation continued and early cirrhosis appeared. Compared with the ordinary white wine group, fatty infiltration was observed in the 8-week and 12-week groups, but no necrosis or fibrosis or cirrhosis was found in the Maotai liquor group (P【0.05). CONCLUSION: Maotai liquor may cause fatty liver but not hepatic fibrosis or cirrhosis, and it can strengthen lipid peroxidation in the liver.