Preventive and Ameliorative Effects of Se- and Zn-Biofortified Chickpeas on MAFLD-Related Metabolic Disturbances

MAFLD progression is closely linked to a systemic failure of antioxidant defense systems. Se and Zn play crucial roles in maintaining redox balance in the liver. This study evaluated the effects of micronutrient-biofortified chickpea flours as functional ingredients for the prevention and management of MAFLD disturbances. Chickpea seeds were germinated with Na2SeO3, ZnSO4, ZnSeO3, or ZnSO4 + Na2SeO3, processed into flours, and then subjected to gastrointestinal digestion to obtain biofortified-chickpea digests (BCD). SDS-PAGE and FTIR indicated treatment-dependent changes in the protein/peptide profile and in the structural organization of the digested matrix. Isoflavone content was higher in ZnSO4-BCDs. The oleic acid-induced HepG2 cell model was used to emulate MAFLD conditions. Under preventive conditions, except for ZnSeO3-BCD, all treatments reduce triglyceride accumulation from 17.1 to 38.6%. Non-biofortified (GC) chickpea flour and ZnSeO3-BCD had greater effects on lipolysis and glycerol release. Overall, Se-BCD affected redox regulation 1.2–1.3-fold, suggesting potential improvement in lipid utilization. GC and ZnSO4 + Na2SeO3 BCDs decreased triglyceride accumulation (21.1 and 20.5%, respectively) when evaluated post lipid exposure. In both experimental conditions, BCDs significantly reduced IL-6 levels by 25.1 to 34.7%, demonstrating their immunomodulatory potential. Biofortified chickpea flours exhibit complementary and coordinated biological activities against the main metabolic disturbances associated with MAFLD. Zn/Se-biofortification of chickpea is a valuable strategy for addressing micronutrient deficiencies and for producing functional ingredients to prevent or ameliorate MAFLD-associated disturbances and improve liver health.