Functional sourdough muffins attenuate metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease through modulation of lipid metabolism, oxidative stress, inflammation, and ATPCL expression.

Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is a common metabolic disorder characterized by hepatic lipid accumulation, oxidative stress, and inflammation. The present study aimed to develop two functional sourdough muffin formulations enriched with plant-derived bioactive ingredients and evaluate their sensory, nutritional, and biological effects in a rat model of MASLD. The prepared muffins were analyzed for proximate composition, fatty acid profile, total phenolic content, lipid quality indices, and sensory acceptability. Biological evaluation included an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), assessment of glucose homeostasis, lipid profile, oxidative stress, inflammatory biomarkers, liver and kidney functions, and hepatic ATP citrate lyase (ATPCL) gene expression. Both sourdough muffin formulations showed good sensory acceptability. Muffin II exhibited significantly higher protein content, unsaturated fatty acids, and total phenolic compounds, whereas muffin I contained higher dietary fiber and a lower omega-6/omega-3 ratio. Lipid quality indices revealed a more favorable cardioprotective profile for muffin II, while muffin I demonstrated a lower thrombogenicity index. Administration of both formulations significantly improved glucose tolerance, glucose homeostasis, plasma and hepatic lipid profiles, oxidative stress markers, inflammatory mediators, and liver and kidney function parameters compared with the MASLD control group. Hepatic ATPCL expression was markedly upregulated in MASLD rats, whereas treatment with sourdough muffins I and II significantly downregulated ATPCL expression by 42% and 52%, respectively. The novelty of this study lies in combining sourdough fermentation with plant-derived functional ingredients to target multiple pathways involved in MASLD progression. Overall, the findings suggest that functional sourdough muffins may serve as promising dietary strategies for improving metabolic health and attenuating MASLD-associated hepatic disturbances.