Chicory (Cichorium intybus L.) polysaccharides attenuate high-fat diet induced non-alcoholic fatty liver disease via AMPK activation

Phenolic acids from Chicory roots ameliorate dextran sulfate sodium-induced colitis in mice by targeting TRP signaling pathways and the gut microbiota

BACKGROUND

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a type of immune-mediated condition associated with intestinal homeostasis. Our preliminary studies disclosed that Cichorium intybus L., a traditional medicinal plant, also known as Chicory in Western countries, contained substantial phenolic acids displaying significant anti-inflammatory activities. We recognized the potential of harnessing Chicory for the treatment of IBD, prompting a need for in-depth investigation into the underlying mechanisms.

METHODS

On the third day, mice were given 100, 200 mg/kg of total phenolic acids (PA) from Chicory and 200 mg/kg of sulfasalazine (SASP) via gavage, while dextran sodium sulfate (DSS) concentration was 2.5 % for one week. The study measured and evaluated various health markers including body weight, disease activity index (DAI), colon length, spleen index, histological score, serum concentrations of myeloperoxidase (MPO), nitric oxide (NO), superoxide dismutase (SOD), lipid oxidation (MDA), and inflammatory factors. We evaluated the TRP family and the NLRP3 inflammatory signaling pathways by Western blot, while 16S rDNA sequencing was used to track the effects of PA on gut microbes.

RESULTS

It was shown that PA ameliorated the weight loss trend, attenuated inflammatory damage, regulated oxidative stress levels, and repaired the intestinal barrier in DSS mice. Analyses of Western blots demonstrated that PA suppressed what was expressed of transient receptor potential family TRPV4, TRPA1, and the expression of NLRP3 inflammatory signaling pathway, NLRP3 and GSDMD. In addition, PA exerted therapeutic effects on IBD by regulating gut microbiota richness and diversity. Meanwhile, the result of the KEGG (Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes) pathway enrichment analysis showed that gut microbiota was mainly related to Membrane Transport, Replication and Repair, Carbohydrate Metabolism and Amino Acid Metabolism.

CONCLUSION

PA derived from Chicory may have therapeutic effects on IBD by regulating the TRPV4/NLRP3 signaling pathway and gut microbiome. This study provides new insights into the effects of phenolic acids from Chicory on TRP ion channels and gut microbiota, revealing previously unexplored modes of action.

Isolation, purification, and structural characterization of polysaccharides from Codonopsis pilosula and its therapeutic effects on non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in vitro and in vivo

Codonopsis pilosula is a famous edible and medicinal plants, in which polysaccharides are recognized as one of the important active ingredients. A neutral polysaccharide (CPP-1) was purified from C. pilosula. The structure was characterized by HPSEC-MALLS-RID, UV, FT-IR, GC-MS, methylation analysis, and NMR. The results showed that CPP-1 was a homogeneous pure polysaccharide, mainly containing fructose and glucose, and a small amount of arabinose. Methylation analysis showed that CPP-1 composed of →1)-Fruf-(2→, Fruf-(1→ and Glcp-(1→ residues. Combined the NMR results the structure of CPP-1 was confirmed as α-D-Glcp-(1 → [2)-β-D-Fruf-(1 → 2)-β-D-Fruf-(1]26 → 2)-β-D-Fruf with the molecular weight of 4.890 × 103 Da. The model of AML12 hepatocyte fat damage was established in vitro. The results showed that CPP-1 could increase the activity of SOD and CAT antioxidant enzymes and reduce the content of MDA, thus protecting cells from oxidative damage. Subsequently, the liver protective effect of CPP-1 was studied in the mouse model of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) induced by the high-fat diet. The results showed that CPP-1 significantly reduced the body weight, liver index, and body fat index of NAFLD mice, and significantly improved liver function. Therefore, CPP-1 should be a potential candidate for the treatment of NAFLD.

Screening of Platycodonis Radix Fractions for Antiobesity Activities and Elucidation of Its Molecular Mechanisms in High-Fat Diet-Fed C57BL/6 Mice

Obesity is a threat to public health and effective new medications are required. Platycodonis Radix (PR) is a traditional medicinal/dietary plant with activities against obesity. Using mice given a diet rich in fat, the antiobesity components of PR were identified and their molecular mechanisms were clarified further in this investigation. Initially, the impacts of PR fractions on liver histology and biochemical markers were assessed. Subsequently, the degrees of lipogenic and lipolytic gene and protein expressions were determined. Oral administration of PR polysaccharides (PG) (0.80 g/kg body weight) improved liver function (alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase) and its antioxidant activities (total superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, and malondialdehyde), as well as alleviated blood lipid (total cholesterol, total triglyceride, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol) values, inflammatory systemic (TNF-α and IL-1β), and histological abnormalities within the liver. Furthermore, PG administration downregulated the expression for lipogenic genes (ACC and FAS) and upregulated the expression for the lipolytic gene (PPARα, LPL, CPT1, and HSL). Importantly, PG raised AMPK phosphorylation and decreased SREBP-1c protein synthesis. Thus, it is possible that PG stimulates the AMPK-LPL/HSL path (lipolytic route) plus the AMPK-ACC/PPARα-CPT1 path (associated to β-oxidation of fatty acids), while inhibiting the AMPK/(SREBP-1c)-ACC/FAS path (lipogenic route). In summary, PG has the ability to regulate lipid metabolism, and it may be useful to pharmacologically activate AMPK with PG to prevent and cure obesity.

Recent advances in medicinal and edible homologous plant polysaccharides: Preparation, structure and prevention and treatment of diabetes

Medicinal and edible homologs (MEHs) can be used in medicine and food. The National Health Commission announced that a total of 103 kinds of medicinal and edible homologous plants (MEHPs) would be available by were available in 2023. Diabetes mellitus (DM) has become the third most common chronic metabolic disease that seriously threatens human health worldwide. Polysaccharides, the main component isolated from MEHPs, have significant antidiabetic effects with few side effects. Based on a literature search, this paper summarizes the preparation methods, structural characterization, and antidiabetic functions and mechanisms of MEHPs polysaccharides (MEHPPs). Specifically, MEHPPs mainly regulate PI3K/Akt, AMPK, cAMP/PKA, Nrf2/Keap1, NF-κB, MAPK and other signaling pathways to promote insulin secretion and release, improve glycolipid metabolism, inhibit the inflammatory response, decrease oxidative stress and regulate intestinal flora. Among them, 16 kinds of MEHPPs were found to have obvious anti-diabetic effects. This article reviews the prevention and treatment of diabetes and its complications by MEHPPs and provides a basis for the development of safe and effective MEHPP-derived health products and new drugs to prevent and treat diabetes.

Hepatoprotective efficacy and interventional mechanism of the panaxadiol saponin component in high-fat diet-induced NAFLD mice

Dietary administration is a promising strategy for intervention in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Our research team has identified a biologically active component, the panaxadiol saponin component (PDS-C) isolated from total saponins of panax ginseng, which has various pharmacological and therapeutic functions. However, the efficacy and mechanism of PDS-C in NAFLD were unclear. This study aimed to elucidate the hepatoprotective effects and underlying action mechanism of PDS-C in NAFLD. Mice were fed a high-fat diet (HFD) for 8 weeks to induce NAFLD and treated with PDS-C and metformin as the positive control for 12 weeks. PDS-C significantly alleviated liver function, hepatic steatosis and blood lipid levels, reduced oxidative stress and inflammation in NAFLD mice. In vitro, PDS-C has been shown to reduce lipotoxicity and ROS levels while enhancing the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory capabilities in HepG2 cells induced by palmitic acid. PDS-C induced AMPK phosphorylation, leading to upregulation of the Nrf2/HO1 pathway expression and downregulation of the NFκB protein level. Furthermore, our observations indicate that PDS-C supplementation improves insulin resistance and glucose homeostasis in NAFLD mice, although its efficacy is not as pronounced as metformin. In conclusion, these results demonstrate the hepatoprotective efficacy of PDS-C in NAFLD and provide potential opportunities for developing functional products containing PDS-C.

Structural elucidation of a highly branched α-D-glucan from Huangjiu and its hepatoprotective activity via gut microbiome regulation and intestinal barrier repairment

Polysaccharides in Huangjiu, a traditional fermented food, are expected to be potentially effective ingredients in protecting against alcoholic liver disease (ALD). Elucidating their precise structural and functional characteristics is essential for in-depth understanding of structure-activity relationships of hepatoprotective polysaccharides. Herein, a major polysaccharide component HJPS1-2 was purified from Huangjiu with an average molecular weight of 3.49 kDa. Structural analyses inferred that HJPS1-2 backbone was composed of (1 → 4)-linked α-D-Glcp and a single α(1 → 6)-D-Glcp-α(1 → 6)-D-Glcp branched unit for every three α(1 → 4)-D-Glcp. An ALD mouse model was further established to clarify the underlying effect of HJPS1-2 on ALD alleviation. Biochemical detection and histopathological assessment revealed that HJPS1-2 intervention remarkably improved ethanol-induced hepatic dysfunction and steatosis. HJPS1-2 treatment ameliorated gut microbiota dysbiosis of ALD mice in a dose-dependent manner, mainly manifested as restoration of microbial diversities, community structure and bacterial interaction patterns. Compared with ethanol group, the strikingly elevated intestinal short-chain fatty acids' levels and enhanced intestinal barrier function after HJPS1-2 intake might contribute to reduced serum and liver lipopolysaccharide levels and subsequently suppressed release of hepatic inflammatory cytokines, thus mitigating ALD. Collectively, this research supports the potential of food-derived polysaccharides to hinder the early formation and progression of ALD through maintaining intestinal homeostasis.

Chinese herbal medicines: The modulator of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease targeting oxidative stress

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Plants are a natural treasure trove; their secondary metabolites participate in several pharmacological processes, making them a crucial component in the synthesis of novel pharmaceuticals and serving as a reserve resource foundation in this process. Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is associated with the risk of progression to hepatitis and liver cancer. The "Treatise on Febrile Diseases," "Compendium of Materia Medica," and "Thousand Golden Prescriptions" have listed herbal remedies to treat liver diseases.

AIM OF THE REVIEW

Chinese herbal medicines have been widely used for the prevention and treatment of NAFLD owing to their efficacy and low side effects. The production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) during NAFLD, and the impact and potential mechanism of ROS on the pathogenesis of NAFLD are discussed in this review. Furthermore, common foods and herbs that can be used to prevent NAFLD, as well as the structure-activity relationships and potential mechanisms, are discussed.

METHODS

Web of Science, PubMed, CNKI database, Google Scholar, and WanFang database were searched for natural products that have been used to treat or prevent NAFLD in the past five years. The primary search was performed using the following keywords in different combinations in full articles: NAFLD, herb, natural products, medicine, and ROS. More than 400 research papers and review articles were found and analyzed in this review.

RESULTS

By classifying and discussing the literature, we obtained 86 herbaceous plants, 28 of which were derived from food and 58 from Chinese herbal medicines. The mechanism of NAFLD was proposed through experimental studies on thirteen natural compounds (quercetin, hesperidin, rutin, curcumin, resveratrol, epigallocatechin-3-gallate, salvianolic acid B, paeoniflorin, ginsenoside Rg1, ursolic acid, berberine, honokiol, emodin). The occurrence and progression of NAFLD could be prevented by natural antioxidants through several pathways to prevent ROS accumulation and reduce hepatic cell injuries caused by excessive ROS.

CONCLUSION

This review summarizes the natural products and routinely used herbs (prescription) in the prevention and treatment of NAFLD. Firstly, the mechanisms by which natural products improve NAFLD through antioxidant pathways are elucidated. Secondly, the potential of traditional Chinese medicine theory in improving NAFLD is discussed, highlighting the safety of food-medicine homology and the broader clinical potential of multi-component formulations in improving NAFLD. Aiming to provide theoretical basis for the prevention and treatment of NAFLD.

The promising roles of medicinal plants and bioactive compounds on hepatic lipid metabolism in the treatment of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in animal models: molecular targets

Imbalance in hepatic lipid metabolism can lead to an abnormal triglycerides deposition in the hepatocytes which can cause non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Four main mechanisms responsible for regulating hepatic lipid metabolism are fatty acid uptake, de novo lipogenesis, lipolysis and fatty acid oxidation. Controlling the expression of transcription factors at molecular level plays a crucial role in NAFLD management. This paper reviews various medicinal plants and their bioactive compounds emphasising mechanisms involved in hepatic lipid metabolism, other important NAFLD pathological features, and their promising roles in managing NAFLD through regulating key transcription factors. Although there are many medicinal plants popularly investigated for NAFLD treatment, there is still little information and scientific evidence available and there has been no research on clinical trials scrutinised on this matter. This review also aims to provide molecular information of medicinal plants in NALFD treatment that might have potentials for future scientifically controlled studies.

Functional and chemical properties of Phoenix dactylifera l. Polysaccharides and the effect of date flesh and seed intervention on some blood biomarkers: A contrastive analysis

The chemical structure and bioactivity of ultrasonic-assisted alkaline extracted polysaccharides of date seed (DSP) and date flesh (DFP) were investigated. In addition, a crossover clinical trial was conducted to evaluate the effects of 28 days of date seed powder and date flesh consumption on blood biomarkers. Xylose (72.2 %) and galactose (41.6 %) were the most abundant monosaccharides in DSP and DFP, also DFP had a higher uronic acid content (12.16 ± 2.13 g/100 g) compared to DSP (5.57 ± 1.2 g/100 g). DSP had higher proliferation and antibacterial effects compared to DFP and inulin. Bifidobacterium animalis produced a higher short-chain fatty acid concentration during fermentation of DSP (66.98 ± 4.33 mM) and DFP (58.58 ± 5.57 mM) than inulin (19.68 ± 3.73 mM). Date seed powder could significantly reduce C-reactive proteins and triglycerides and increase red blood cell count (p < 0.05). DSP showed considerable prebiotic capability, antibacterial activity, and health-promoting effect; therefore, it could be considered for further investigation as nutraceuticals.

Natural polysaccharides protect against diet-induced obesity by improving lipid metabolism and regulating the immune system

Unhealthy dietary patterns-induced obesity and obesity-related complications pose a great threat to human health all over the world. Accumulating evidence suggests that the pathophysiology of obesity and obesity-associated metabolic disorders is closely associated with dysregulation of lipid and energy metabolism, and metabolic inflammation. In this review, three potential anti-obesity mechanisms of natural polysaccharides are introduced. Firstly, natural polysaccharides protect against diet-induced obesity directly by improving lipid and cholesterol metabolism. Since the immunity also affects lipid and energy metabolism, natural polysaccharides improve lipid and energy metabolism by regulating host immunity. Moreover, diet-induced mitochondrial dysfunction, prolonged endoplasmic reticulum stress, defective autophagy and microbial dysbiosis can disrupt lipid and/or energy metabolism in a direct and/or inflammation-induced manner. Therefore, natural polysaccharides also improve lipid and energy metabolism and suppress inflammation by alleviating mitochondrial dysfunction and endoplasmic reticulum stress, promoting autophagy and regulating gut microbiota composition. Specifically, this review comprehensively summarizes underlying anti-obesity mechanisms of natural polysaccharides and provides a theoretical basis for the development of functional foods. For the first time, this review elucidates anti-obesity mechanisms of natural polysaccharides from the perspectives of their hypolipidemic, energy-regulating and immune-regulating mechanisms.

Preventive and therapeutic effects of natural products and herbal extracts on nonalcoholic fatty liver disease/nonalcoholic steatohepatitis

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a common condition that is prevalent in patients who consume little or no alcohol, and is characterized by excessive fat accumulation in the liver. The disease is becoming increasingly common with the rapid economic development of countries. Long-term accumulation of excess fat can lead to NAFLD, which represents a global health problem with no effective therapeutic approach. NAFLD is a complex, multifaceted pathological process that has been the subject of extensive research over the past few decades. Herbal medicines have gained attention as potential therapeutic agents to prevent and treat NAFLD due to their high efficacy and low risk of side effects. Our overview is based on a PubMed and Web of Science database search as of Dec 22 with the keywords: NAFLD/NASH Natural products and NAFLD/NASH Herbal extract. In this review, we evaluate the use of herbal medicines in the treatment of NAFLD. These natural resources have the potential to inform innovative drug research and the development of treatments for NAFLD in the future.

Tartary buckwheat root polysaccharides ameliorate non-alcoholic fatty liver disease via the IL6-SOCS3-SREBP1c pathway

Our previous study demonstrated that Tartary buckwheat root polysaccharides (TBRP) could reduce insulin resistance in diabetes mellitus by inhibiting SOCS3-stimulated IRS1 protein degradation. However, whether TBRP has the efficiency to treat non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is still undetermined. This investigation aimed to examine the effects of TBRP on a high-fat diet (HFD)-triggered NAFLD, and elucidate the underlying molecular mechanisms. Briefly, TBRP toxicity in hepatoma (BEL7404) and pancreatic cancer (BxPC3) cells and zebrafish embryos developmental models, were evaluated in-vitro and in-vivo, respectively. TBRP inhibited cellular lipid accumulation by suppressing fat synthesis, furthermore, it improved body weight gain, liver weight, liver-to-body weight ratio, serum lipids triglyceride, total cholesterol, ALT, LDL-C, HDL-C, and AST levels in the NAFLD mice model. Additionally, TBRP treatment also lowered the nitric oxide content. The qPCR assay revealed that mRNA expression of TNF, IL1β, and IL6 was also markedly reduced in TBRP-treated NAFLD mice. The expression of SOCS3, SREBP1c, and STAT3 was elucidated by western blot analysis, which indicated that TBRP markedly decreased the gene expression for de novo fat synthesis by the SOCS3-SREBP1c pathway. These findings reveal that TBRP ameliorates NAFLD via the IL6-SOCS3-SREBP1c signaling pathway and therefore, may represent a promising approach for NAFLD treatment.

Purification and characterization of a chicory polysaccharide and its application in stabilizing genistein for cancer therapy

Genistein is an isoflavone with chemopreventive and therapeutic effects on various types of cancers. Apparently, in contrast to the advantages of multi-target therapy, the poor water solubility of this molecule is a major obstacle to its clinical application. In this work, zein/chicory polysaccharide nanoparticles (G-zein-P NPs) were prepared by pH-induced antisolvent precipitation method for the encapsulation of genistein. Firstly, an acidic polysaccharide (CIP70-2) with a molecular weight of 66.7 kDa was identified from the roots of chicory (Cichorium intybus). This natural macromolecule was identified as a plant pectin, for which the structure included RG-I (rhamnogalacturonan I) and HG (homogalacturonan) regions. Using this polysaccharide, G-zein-P NPs were prepared, in which the water solubility of genistein was improved by encapsulation. The encapsulation efficiency and loading efficiency of genistein by composite nanoparticles reached 99.0 % and 6.96 %, respectively. In vitro tumor inhibition experiments showed that the inhibitory effect of G-zein-P NPs on HepG2 cells was twice that of unencapsulated genistein. Moreover, the significant inhibition of tumor development and metastasis by G-zein-P NPs was observed in zebrafish xenograft models. The results suggested that zein/chicory polysaccharide nanoparticles may be a promising delivery carrier for genistein application in cancer prevention and therapy.

Alleviating Effect of Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus 1.0320 Combined with Dihydromyricetin on Acute Alcohol Exposure-Induced Hepatic Impairment: Based on Short-Chain Fatty Acids and Adenosine 5'-Monophosphate-Activated Protein Kinase-Mediated Lipid Metabolism Signaling Pathway

Excessive drinking has been listed by the World Health Organization as the fifth major risk factor; especially the liver, as the core organ of alcohol metabolism, is prone to organic lesions. Probiotics have received attention due to their bioactivity for liver protection. The beneficial effects of probiotics on hosts are related to their physiological functions. Therefore, based on the concept of second-generation synbiotes, this study explored the protective effects of four dietary polyphenols on the stress tolerance, hydrophobicity, adhesion, and digestive characteristics of L. rhamnosus 1.0320. L. rhamnosus 1.0320 had the best synergistic effect with dihydromyricetin (DMY). Therefore, this combination was selected as a synbiotic supplement to explore the protective effect on acute alcohol exposure-induced hepatic impairment. The results showed that L. rhamnosus 1.0320 combined with DMY restored the intestinal barrier by upregulating short-chain fatty acid levels and activated the adenosine 5'-monophosphate-activated protein kinase-mediated lipid metabolism pathway to inhibit oxidative stress, inflammation, and lipid accumulation in the liver. Furthermore, 10⁹ CFU/mouse/d L. rhamnosus 1.0320 and 50 mg/kg/d DMY by gavage were identified as the optimal doses for protection against acute alcohol expose-induced hepatic impairment. This study provides new insights into alleviating acute alcoholic hepatic impairment by targeting intestinal metabolites through the gut-liver axis.

Managing metabolic diseases: The roles and therapeutic prospects of herb-derived polysaccharides

Metabolic diseases have become a public health problem worldwide. Effective, novel and natural therapies are urgently needed to treat metabolic diseases. As natural bioactive compounds, polysaccharides have many physiological and medicinal properties. Recently, herb-derived polysaccharides have shown beneficial effects in the treatment of metabolic diseases, but the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. This review comprehensively summarizes the pharmacological progress and clinical evidence of herb-derived polysaccharides in the treatment of three metabolic diseases, namely type 2 diabetes mellitus, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and obesity, and more importantly, discusses the molecular mechanism involved. Existing evidence has proved that herb-derived polysaccharides can maintain glucose homeostasis, promote insulin secretion, improve insulin resistance, reduce weight gain and hepatic steatosis, inhibit lipogenesis, alleviate oxidative stress and inflammation, and improve gut microbiota disorders in rodents with metabolic diseases. Notably, so far, human clinical trials of herb-derived polysaccharides for these three metabolic diseases remain rare. All in all, herb-derived polysaccharides may have good potential as drug candidates for the prevention and management of metabolic diseases. More high-quality clinical trials are needed to further validate its effectiveness and safety in human subjects.

Extraction, purification, structural characterization, and hepatoprotective effect of the polysaccharide from purple sweet potato

BACKGROUND

Purple sweet potato Ipomoea batatas (L.) has long been used as a medicine and a food. It contains various bioactive substances such as polysaccharides, anthocyanins, and flavonoids. Purple sweet potato polysaccharides are known to have anti-oxidant, anti-tumor, and immunomodulatory functions. Nevertheless, studies on the structural characterization of purple sweet potato polysaccharides and their ability to prevent non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) have rarely been reported.

RESULTS

A novel polysaccharide (PSPP-A) was extracted and isolated from purple sweet potato, and its structural characteristics and preventive effects on NAFLD were investigated. The results indicated that PSPP-A was composed of l-rhamnose, d-arabinose, d-galactose, d-glucose, and d-glucuronic acid with molar ratios of 1.89:8.45:1.95:1.13:1. Its molecular weight was 2.63 × 10³  kDa. Methylation and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) analysis indicated that the glycosidic linkages were →3)-α-L-Araf-(1→, α-L-Araf-(1→, →2,4)-α-L-Rhap-(1→, 4-O-Me-β-D-GlcAp-(1→, →4)-α-D-Glcp-(1→, →4)-β-D-Galp-(1→, and →6)-β-D-Galp-(1→. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) indicated that the structure of PSPP-A was irregular. Subsequently, the protective effect of PSPP-A on NAFLD was investigated. The results indicated that bodyweight, liver index, and triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC), aspartate transaminase (AST), and alanine transaminase (ALT) content were significantly reduced by intervention of purple sweet potato polysaccharide-A (PSPP-A) compared with the - high-fat diet group. Liver histopathological analysis indicated that PSPP-A attenuated irregular hepatocyte patterns and excessive lipid vacuoles.

CONCLUSIONS

The novel polysaccharide, PSPP-A, mainly contains arabinose, which has certain preventive effects on NAFLD. This study provides a theoretical basis for further elucidating the hepatoprotective effect of purple sweet potatoes as a functional food. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.

Research progress on the therapeutic effects of polysaccharides on non-alcoholic fatty liver diseases

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has become the most common chronic liver disease and is a leading cause of cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Due to its complex pathophysiology, there is currently no approved therapy. Polysaccharide, a kind of natural product, possesses a wide range of pharmacological activities. Numerous preclinical studies have confirmed that polysaccharides could interfere with the occurrence and development of NAFLD at multiple interrelated levels, such as improvement of glucose and lipid metabolism, antioxidation, anti-inflammation, and regulation of gut-liver axis, thus showing great potential as novel anti-NAFLD drugs. In this paper, we reviewed the polysaccharides with anti-NAFLD effect in recent years, and also systematically analyzed their possible pharmacological mechanisms.

Health Benefits of Key Constituents in Cichorium intybus L

The genus Cichorium (Asteraceae) that originates from the Mediterranean area consists of six species (Cichorium intybus, Cichorium frisee, Cichorium endivia, Cichorium grouse, Cichorium chico and Cichorium pumilum). Cichorium intybus L., commonly known as chicory, has a rich history of being known as a medicinal plant and coffee substitute. A variety of key constituents in chicory play important roles as antioxidant agents. The herb is also used as a forage plant for animals. This review highlights the bioactive composition of C. intybus L. and summarizes the antioxidant activity associated with the presence of inulin, caffeic acid derivatives, ferrulic acid, caftaric acid, chicoric acid, chlorogenic and isochlorogenic acids, dicaffeoyl tartaric acid, sugars, proteins, hydroxycoumarins, flavonoids and sesquiterpene lactones. It also covers the plant's occurrence, agriculture improvement, natural biosynthesis, geographical distribution and waste valorization.

Genistein activated SIRT1-AMPK signaling pathway mediated by ERβ-FOXO1-Nampt to reduce fat accumulation in chicken hepatocytes

Excessive fat accumulation in broiler chickens would seriously threaten the poultry industry. It leads to lower feed conversion rate and worse meat quality. Even worse, it harms the consumers' health due to the intake of high-fat chicken products. Dietary supplements with bioactive ingredients have been considered an effective way to solve this problem. Genistein is the primary phytoestrogen in soybean. Its fat-reduction effect has been reported, but the molecular mechanism is unclear. The present study found that genistein reduced lipid droplets accumulation by regulating lipid metabolism-related factors expression in chicken hepatocytes. The research showed that genistein significantly increased phosphor (p)-AMP-activated protein kinase (p-AMPK) and Sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) protein expressions. The effect of genistein on reducing lipid droplets accumulation and upregulating p-AMPK protein level was blocked entirely when pretreated with SIRT1 inhibitor. These results implied that SIRT1 is required to activate AMPK. Furthermore, genistein treatment significantly upregulated the SIRT1 protein level when pretreated with AMPK inhibitor. We demonstrated that the activation of estrogen receptor β-Forkhead box O1-Nicotinamide phosphoribosyl transferase (ERβ-FOXO1-Nampt) signaling pathway upregulated the NAD⁺ concentration in hepatocytes, and activated SIRT1 ultimately. In summary, we demonstrated that genistein suppressed lipid droplets accumulation in chicken hepatocytes by activating SIRT1-AMPK. The SIRT1-AMPK signaling pathway was mediated by ERβ-FOXO1-Nampt. These findings increase our understanding of the mechanisms of genistein on fat reduction, and provide compelling evidence for it as a nutritional supplement to prevent excessive fat deposition and lipid metabolism-related diseases in animals and even humans.

Research Progress on the Therapeutic Effect of Polysaccharides on Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease through the Regulation of the Gut–Liver Axis

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most common chronic liver disease affecting global public health at present, which can induce cirrhosis and liver cancer in serious cases. However, NAFLD is a multifactorial disease, and there is still a lack of research on its mechanism and therapeutic strategy. With the development of the gut–liver axis theory, the association between the gut–liver axis and the pathogenesis of NAFLD has been gradually disclosed. Polysaccharides, as a kind of natural product, have the advantages of low toxicity, multi-target and multi-pathway action. It has been reported that polysaccharides can affect the gut–liver axis at multiple interrelated levels, such as maintaining the ecological balance of gut microbiota (GM), regulating the metabolites of GM and improving the intestinal barrier function, which thereby plays a protective role in NAFLD. These studies have great scientific significance in understanding NAFLD based on the gut–liver axis and developing safe and effective medical treatments. Herein, we reviewed the recent progress of polysaccharides in improving nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) through the gut–liver axis.

Stropharia rugoso-annulata acetylated polysaccharides alleviate NAFLD via Nrf2/JNK1/AMPK signaling pathways

The acetylated Stropharia rugoso-annulata polysaccharides (ASRP) was successfully characterized, and the effects and mechanism on alleviating NAFLD were investigated in HFD-induced mice models. The characterization showed that ASRP was successfully acetylated and rich in galactose. The animal studies demonstrated that ASRP at the dose of 400 mg/kg possessed hepatoprotective effects by potential antioxidation, anti-inflammation and improving hepatocellular histopathology, with the possible mechanisms on regulating the JNK1/AP-1 and activating the Nrf2 signaling pathways. Besides, ASRP could improve the fat metabolism by activating the AMPK/SREBP-1c signaling pathways. The results provided basal theories for the development of ASRP on treating the NAFLD and its complications.

Astaxanthin Alleviates Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease by Regulating the Intestinal Flora and Targeting the AMPK/Nrf2 Signal Axis

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is among the most prevalent chronic liver diseases around the globe. The accumulation of lipids in the liver and oxidative stress are important pathological mechanisms of NAFLD. Astaxanthin (AT) is a carotenoid extracted from shrimps and crabs with beneficial biological activities, including anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory activities. 16S microflora sequencing, H&E staining, and the western blot technique were employed to investigate the impacts of AT on a high-fat diet (HFD)-induced NAFLD. Significant mitigation in lipid metabolism-related disorders and decreased oxidative stress in HFD-induced mice were observed due to AT, and significant changes in the gut flora of the model mice were also observed. The in vitro study showed that AT considerably lowered the protein expression level of fatty acid synthetase (FAS), sterol regulatory element-binding protein-1c (SREBP-1c), and acetyl-COA carboxylase (ACC) and increased the protein expression of nuclear factor-E2 associated factor 2 (Nrf2) and AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) in oleic acid (OA) and palmitic acid (PA)-induced HepG2 cells. Additionally, mechanistic studies revealed that compound C (AMPK inhibitor, CC) inhibited the regulatory effect of AT on the SREBP-1c and Nrf2 signaling pathways. In conclusion, AT can inhibit the SREBP-1c, FAS, and ACC signaling pathways, activate the AMPK and Nrf2 signaling pathways, and improve the structure of intestinal flora.

Oyster (Crassostrea gigas) Polysaccharide Ameliorates High-Fat-Diet-Induced Oxidative Stress and Inflammation in the Liver via the Bile Acid-FXR-AMPKα Pathway

Oyster polysaccharides (OPS) have a variety of biological activities. In this study, we aimed to investigate the potential mechanisms of OPS to ameliorate hepatic oxidative stress and inflammation in mice induced by a high-fat diet (HFD). The results showed that OPS reduced the HFD-induced increases in serum transaminase levels and alleviated hepatic oxidative stress and inflammation. Moreover, OPS regulated bile acid metabolism and increased bile acid content in the liver, serum, and feces. Serum bile acid profile results indicated that OPS reduced levels of chenodeoxycholic acid, deoxycholic acid, and lithocholic acid associated with high-affinity agonists of Farnesol X receptor (FXR). Western blot analysis showed that OPS accelerated bile acid metabolism by downregulating hepatic FXR expression and promoting its downstream CYP7A1, CYP27A1, and CYP8B1 protein expression. Meanwhile, OPS ameliorated oxidative stress and inflammation in the liver by modulating FXR-AMPKα-Nrf2/NF-κB signaling to reduce p-IκBα/IκBα, p-NF-κB p65/NF-κB p65, IL-1β, and TNF-α expression and increase p-Nrf2/Nrf2, HO-1, and NQO-1 expression. This study was the first to explore the possible mechanism of OPS in improving liver oxidative stress and inflammation from the perspective of bile acid metabolism, providing a theoretical basis for OPS as a new source of functional food.

Antiaging Effects of Dietary Polysaccharides: Advance and Mechanisms

Aging is a process in which the various physiological functions of the body gradually deteriorate and eventually lead to death. During this process, the body’s resistance to external stresses gradually decreases and the aging-related diseases gradually are increased. Polysaccharides are a group of active substances extracted from living organisms and are widely found in plants, animals, and microorganisms. In the last decade, a variety of natural polysaccharides from functional and medicinal foods have attracted considerable interest for their beneficial effects in the prevention of chronic diseases such as cancers, diabetes, and neurodegenerative diseases. Interestingly, these polysaccharides have also been found to delay aging by reducing oxidative damage, inhibiting telomere shortening, and being anti-inflammatory in different animal models of aging. These reviews summarized the progresses in effects of polysaccharides on antiaging and the potential mechanisms and especially focused on the signaling pathways involved in the antiaging functions. Finally, the applications and prospects of the antiaging effects of polysaccharides are discussed.

The Regulatory Roles of Polysaccharides and Ferroptosis-Related Phytochemicals in Liver Diseases

Liver disease is a global health burden with high morbidity and mortality worldwide. Liver injuries can develop into severe end-stage diseases, such as cirrhosis or hepatocellular carcinoma, without valid treatment. Therefore, identifying novel drugs may promote liver disease treatment. Phytochemicals, including polysaccharides, flavonoids, alkaloids, and terpenes, are abundant in foods and medicinal plants and have various bioactivities, such as antioxidation, immunoregulation, and tumor killing. Recent studies have shown that many natural polysaccharides play protective roles in liver disease models in vitro and in vivo, such as fatty liver disease, alcoholic liver disease, drug-induced liver injury, and liver cancer. The mechanisms of liver disease are complex. Notably, ferroptosis, a new type of cell death driven by iron and lipid peroxidation, is considered to be the key mechanism in many hepatic pathologies. Therefore, polysaccharides and other types of phytochemicals with activities in ferroptosis regulation provide novel therapeutic strategies for ferroptosis-related liver diseases. This review summarizes our current understanding of the mechanisms of ferroptosis and liver injury and compelling preclinical evidence of natural bioactive polysaccharides and phytochemicals in treating liver disease.

Monkfish Peptides Mitigate High Fat Diet-Induced Hepatic Steatosis in Mice

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a hepatic metabolic syndrome usually accompanied by fatty degeneration and functional impairment. The aim of the study was to determine whether monkfish peptides (LPs) could ameliorate high-fat diet (HFD)-induced NAFLD and its underlying mechanisms. NAFLD was induced in mice by giving them an HFD for eight weeks, after which LPs were administered in various dosages. In comparison to the HFD control group: body weight in the LP-treated groups decreased by 23–28%; triacylglycerol levels in the blood decreased by 16–35%; and low-density lipoproteins levels in the blood decreased by 23–51%. Additionally, we found that LPs elevated the activity of hepatic antioxidant enzymes and reduced the inflammatory reactions within fatty liver tissue. Investigating the effect on metabolic pathways, we found that in LP-treated mice: the levels of phospho-AMP-activated protein kinase (p-AMPK), and phospho-acetyl CoA carboxylase (p-ACC) in the AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) pathway were up-regulated and the levels of downstream sterol regulatory element-binding transcription factor 1 (SREBP-1) were down-regulated; lipid oxidation increased and free fatty acid (FFA) accumulation decreased (revealed by the increased carnitine palmitoyltransferase-1 (CPT-1) and the decreased fatty acid synthase (FASN) expression, respectively); the nuclear factor erythroid-2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) antioxidant pathway was activated; and the levels of heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) and nicotinamide quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1) were increased. Overall, all these findings demonstrated that LPs can improve the antioxidant capacity of liver to alleviate NAFLD progression mainly through modulating the AMPK and Nrf2 pathways, and thus it could be considered as an effective candidate in the treatment of human NAFLD.

An Insight into Antihyperlipidemic Effects of Polysaccharides from Natural Resources

Hyperlipidemia is a chronic metabolic disease caused by the abnormal metabolism of lipoproteins in the human body. Its main hazard is to accelerate systemic atherosclerosis, which causes cerebrovascular diseases such as coronary heart disease and thrombosis. At the same time, although the current hypolipidemic drugs have a certain therapeutic effect, they have side effects such as liver damage and digestive tract discomfort. Many kinds of polysaccharides from natural resources possess therapeutic effects on hyperlipidemia but still lack a comprehensive understanding. In this paper, the research progress of natural polysaccharides on reducing blood lipids in recent years is reviewed. The pharmacological mechanisms and targets of natural polysaccharides are mainly introduced. The relationship between structure and hypolipidemic activity is also discussed in detail. This review will help to understand the value of polysaccharides in lowering blood lipids and provide guidance for the development and clinical application of new hypolipidemic drugs.

Establishment and metabonomics analysis of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease model in golden hamster

The aim is to establish a model of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) caused by feeding with high-fat, high-fructose, and high-cholesterol diet (HFFCD) in golden hamsters, and to investigate the characteristics of the NAFLD model and metabolite changes of liver tissue. Golden hamsters were fed HFFCD or control diets for six weeks. Body weight, abdominal fat index, and liver index was assessed, serum parameters, hepatic histology, and liver metabolites were examined. The results showed that body weight, abdominal fat, and liver index of hamsters were significantly increased in the model group, the level of serum total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), and low density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C) were significantly increased in model group as well, and high density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C) was significantly decreased. In addition, lipid deposition in liver tissue formed fat vacuoles of different sizes. Metabonomics analysis of the liver showed that the metabolic pathways of sphingolipid, glycerophospholipids, and arginine biosynthesis were disordered in the NAFLD model. The modeling method is simple, short time, and uniform. It can simulate the early fatty liver caused by common dietary factors, and provides an ideal model for the study of the initial pathogenesis and therapeutic drugs for NAFLD.

The Cordyceps militaris-Derived Polysaccharide CM1 Alleviates Atherosclerosis in LDLR(-/-) Mice by Improving Hyperlipidemia

Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease has a high mortality worldwide. Our lab previously purified a polysaccharide designated as CM1 with (1→4)-β-D-Glcp and (1→2)-α-D-Manp glycosyls as the backbone. In this study, we investigated the anti-atherosclerosis effect of CM1 and the underlying mechanisms of action in a low-density lipoprotein receptor knockout (LDLR^(-/-) mouse model. It was found that CM1 significantly decreased the formation of atherosclerotic plaques. Mechanistically, CM1 enhanced plasma level of apolipoprotein A-I and decreased the plasma levels of triglyceride, apolipoprotein B, and total cholesterol. In the absence of LDLR, CM1 elevated the expression of very low-density lipoprotein receptor for liver uptake of plasma apolipoprotein B-containing particles and reduced hepatic triglyceride synthesis by inhibiting sterol regulatory element binding protein 1c. CM1 improved lipids excretion by increasing the liver X receptor α/ATP-binding cassette G5 pathway in small intestine. CM1 reduced lipogenesis and lipolysis by inhibiting peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ and adipose triglyceride lipase in epididymal fat. Furthermore, CM1 improved lipid profile in C57BL/6J mice. Collectively, CM1 can modulate lipid metabolism by multiple pathways, contributing to reduced plasma lipid level and formation of atherosclerotic plaques in LDLR^(-/-) mice. This molecule could be explored as a potential compound for prevention and treatment of hyperlipidemia and atherosclerosis.

Sulfated Polysaccharides from Enteromorpha prolifera Attenuate Lipid Metabolism Disorders in Mice with High-fat Diet-induced Obesity via an AMPK-dependent Pathway

BACKGROUND

Obesity-related metabolic diseases have recently evoked worldwide attention. Studies have demonstrated that Enteromorpha polysaccharide (EP) exerts lipid-lowering effects, but the underlying mechanism remains unclear.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate whether EP regulates lipid metabolism disorders in mice with high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obesity via an AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK)-dependent pathway.

METHODS

Six-week-old male C57BL/6J mice (18 ± 2 g) were fed a normal diet (ND; 10% energy from fats) or a HFD (60% energy from fats) for 6 weeks to induce obesity and treated intragastrically with EP (200 mg/kg body weight) or distilled water (10 mL/kg body weight) for 8 weeks. Biochemical indicators, AMPK-dependent pathways and lipid metabolism-related genes were evaluated to assess the effects of EP on HFD-induced lipid metabolism disorders. The essential role of AMPK in the EP-mediated regulation of lipid metabolism was confirmed using HFD-fed male Ampka2-knockout mice (aged 6 weeks, 17 ± 2 g) treated or not treated with the above-mentioned dose of EP. The data were analyzed by t tests and two-factor and one-way ANOVAs.

RESULTS

Compared to the ND, the HFD resulted in the greater body weight (24.3%), perirenal fat index (2.2-fold), and serum TC (24.66%) and LDL cholesterol (1.25-fold) concentrations (P < 0.05) and dysregulated the AMPK-dependent pathway and the expression of most lipid metabolism-related genes (P < 0.05). Compared to the HFD, EP treatment resulted in the lower perirenal fat index (31.22%) and the LDL-C concentration (23.98%) and partly reversed the dysregulation of the AMPK-dependent pathway and the altered expression of lipid metabolism-related genes (P < 0.05). Ampka2 knockout abolished the above-mentioned effects of EP in obese mice and the EP-mediated effects on the expression of lipid metabolism-related genes (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

These findings suggest that EP can ameliorate lipid metabolism disorders in mice with HFD-induced obesity via an AMPK-dependent pathway.

The impact of cichorium intybus L. On GDF-15 level in obese diabetic albino mice as compared with metformin effect

Background

Diabetes mellitus (DM) and obesity comorbidity signify a frequent metabolic disorder, representing a huge public health burden. Metformin, the most used anti-diabetic medication, is found to reduce body weight via growth differentiation factor 15 (GDF-15) signalling pathways. The medicinal herb Cichorium intybus L. (chicory or cichorium) has a promising pharmacological impact on energy homeostasis. On the other hands, little data is available on its role in DM and obesity. Despite its irrefutable effect, its exact mechanism of action has not completely elucidated; the present study evaluated the effect of chicory on DM, antioxidant status, inflammation, and GDF-15 level in comparison with the metformin effect.

Material and methods

Eighty albino mice were grouped as (control, obese diabetic group, metformin-treated, and Cichorium intybus L. -treated group). The study assessed blood glucose, lipid profile, inflammatory markers (IL-6, TNF-α), total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and caspase-3. Quantitative RT-PCR assessed GDF-15 and leptin relative mRNA expression.

Results

Cichorium intybus L. has significantly lowered inflammatory, apoptotic markers, and leptin levels compared with the diseased group. Likewise, the plant upregulated GDF-15 and TAC's levels. The study documented a non-significant difference between the Cichorium intybus L. -treated and the metformin-treated groups in all estimated markers.

Conclusion

The Cichorium intybus L. is a promising herbal supplement with anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-diabetic, and weight reduction effects via affecting GDF-15 signalling pathways.

Graphical abstract

GDF-15 has anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidative stress and anti-apoptotic effect in DM and obesity via targeting NF-κB mechanisms.

A comprehensive mechanistic and therapeutic insight into the effect of chicory (Cichorium intybus) supplementation in diabetes mellitus: A systematic review of literature

BACKGROUND

Cichorium intybus is a rich source of terpenoids and phenolic compounds, one of the effective methods in managing and reducing the complications of chronic diseases such as diabetes mellitus. The purpose of this systematic review was to evaluate the evidence obtained from animal and human studies on the effects of chicory on metabolic indicators (such as inflammation, oxidative stress, blood sugar and dyslipidaemia) of diabetes mellitus.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This systematic search was performed in ProQuest, PubMed, Google Scholar, Scopus, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Embase and Science Direct databases and on articles published until August 2021. All of the animal studies and clinical trials included in this systematic review that assessed the effect of chicory on metabolic risk markers in diabetes were published in English language journals.

RESULTS

Finally, amongst 686 articles, only 23 articles met the needed criteria for further analysis. Out of 23 articles, 3 studies on humans and 20 studies on animals have been carried out. Fifteen of the 19 studies that evaluated the effect of chicory on the glycaemic index showed that Cichorium intybus improved blood glucose index (it had no effect in two human studies and three animal studies). Ten of the 13 studies evaluating the effect of Cichorium intybus on lipid profiles showed that it improved dyslipidaemia. Also, all 12 studies showed that chicory significantly reduces oxidative stress and inflammation.

CONCLUSION

According to the available evidence, Cichorium intybus might improve the glycaemic status, dyslipidaemia, oxidative stress and inflammation. However, further studies are recommended for a comprehensive conclusion about the exact mechanism of chicory in diabetic patients.

Independent of Calorie Intake, Short-term Alternate-day Fasting Alleviates NASH, With Modulation of Markers of Lipogenesis, Autophagy, Apoptosis, and Inflammation in Rats

Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is a worldwide health problem. Alternate-day fasting (ADF), although thought to be aggressive, has proven safety and efficacy. We aimed to evaluate the effect of short-term ADF against already established high-fat-fructose (HFF)-induced NASH, independent of the amount of calorie intake, and to study the effect of ADF on lipogenesis, apoptosis, and hepatic inflammation. Male Sprague Dawley rats were divided into two groups: (1) negative control and (2) NASH group fed on HFF for 9 weeks, and then randomized into two subgroups of either HFF alone or with ADF protocol for 3 weeks. The ADF could improve HFF-related elevation in serum lactate dehydrogenase and could decrease the mRNA expression of lipogenesis genes; acetyl CoA carboxylase, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ, and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α; apoptotic genes caspase-3, p53, and inflammatory cyclo-oxygenase 2; and immunohistochemical staining for their proteins in liver with upregulation of LC3 and downregulation of P62 immunoexpression. Moreover, ADF ameliorated HFF-induced steatosis, inflammation, ballooning, and fibrosis through hematoxylin and eosin, Oil Red O, and Sirius Red staining, confirmed by morphometric analysis, without significant weight loss. Significant correlation of morphometric parameters with levels of gene expression was found. These findings suggest ADF to be a safe effective therapeutic agent in the management of NASH.

Echinacea purpurea polysaccharide prepared by fractional precipitation prevents alcoholic liver injury in mice by protecting the intestinal barrier and regulating liver-related pathways

Oxidative damage and intestinal dysbiosis are regarded as crucial culprits in alcoholic liver disease (ALD). This study aimed to examine the protective effects of Echinacea purpurea polysaccharides (EPPs) against ALD and explore the underlying mechanisms based on hepatic oxidative stress, inflammation, and intestinal barrier function. Three polysaccharide fractions, namely, EPP40, EPP60, and EPP80, were obtained by stepwise ethanol precipitation, and their antioxidant activity in vitro was investigated. The results showed that EPP80 with Mw 11.82 kDa had the strongest radical-scavenging capacity against DPPH, ABTS, and •OH radicals. Besides, EPP80 comprised arabinose, galactose, glucose, mannose, galacturonic acid, and glucuronic acid in molar ratios of 13.42:25.12:10.92:8.59:2.07:0.82. The in vivo results showed that EPP80 increased the activities of antioxidant enzymes and reduced the levels of inflammatory cytokines both in mouse serum and liver. Moreover, EPP80 upregulated the expression of Occludin and ZO-1, revealing its protective effect against intestinal barrier dysfunction. Furthermore, EPP80 inhibited alcohol-induced oxidative damage by promoting the expression of Nrf2, HO-1, and NQO1 in the liver. In summary, EPP80 markedly scavenged free radicals in vitro and ameliorated alcohol-induced liver injury via Nrf2/HO-1 pathways in vivo. These findings suggested that EPP80 could provide effective supplementary support in preventing and treating ALD.

Luteolin cooperated with metformin hydrochloride alleviates lipid metabolism disorders and optimizes intestinal flora compositions of high-fat diet mice

Luteolin (LU) is a flavonoid compound and metformin hydrochloride (MH) is a kind of drug. Studies have shown that both LU and MH have the function of hypoglycemic effect. However, there are few reports indicating that LU cooperated with MH (LU·MH) can relieve lipid metabolism disorders and optimize intestinal flora compositions of high-fat diet mice. In this research, we investigated the effects of LU, MH and LU·MH on lipid metabolism disorders and intestinal flora composition in high-fat diet mice. The study found that compared with high-fat diet (HFD) alone, LU, MH and LU·MH could significantly reduce the lipid metabolism disorder. Furthermore, compared with LU or MH alone, the biochemical indicators of LU·MH were significantly improved and the results of the histopathological section also showed that LU·MH has stronger liver repair ability. It revealed that the potential mechanisms of the LU·MH alleviating lipid metabolism disorders were involved in the simultaneous regulation of SREBP-1c/FAS and SREBP-1c/ACC/Cpt-1. In addition, LU·MH could regulate the intestinal flora compositions. This includes significantly reducing the ratio of Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes(F/B) and at the family level, increasing the relative abundance of Lachnospiraceae, Helicobacteraceae, Marinifilaceae and Peptococcaceae to relieve lipid metabolism disorders. In conclusion, the work found that LU·MH regulates the signal pathway of SREBP-1c/FAS and SREBP-1c/ACC/Cpt-1 simultaneously and decreases the ratio of F/B, as well as increases the relative abundance of certain microbiota to alleviate the lipid metabolism disorders of HFD-fed mice.

Prediction of Srebp-1 as a Key Target of Qing Gan San Against MAFLD in Rats via RNA-Sequencing Profile Analysis

Metabolism-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) is the most common chronic liver disease worldwide, and the use of traditional Chinese medicines (TCMs) to treat this disease has attracted increasing attention. The Qing Gan San (QGS) formula comprises Polygonatum sibiricum, the peel of Citrus reticulata Blanco, the leaves of Morus alba L, Cichorium intybus, Glycyrrhiza uralensis Fisch, and Cirsium setosum. The present study aimed to uncover the anti-hyperlipidaemic effects, hepatic fat accumulation-lowering effects and mechanisms of QGS in high-fat diet-induced MAFLD rats. QGS significantly reduced the levels of total cholesterol and triglycerides in both serum and liver tissue and partially protected hepatic function. Additionally, QGS significantly ameliorated hepatic lipid accumulation with histopathology observation, as demonstrated by H&E and oil red O staining. RNA sequencing was used to further investigate the key genes involved in the development and treatment of MAFLD. Hierarchical clustering analysis showed that the gene expression profiles in rats with MAFLD were reversed to normal after QGS treatment. QGS had 222 potential therapeutic targets associated with MAFLD. Enrichment analysis among these targets revealed that QGS affected biological functions/pathways such as the regulation of lipid metabolic processes (GO: 0019216) and the non-alcoholic fatty liver disease pathway (hsa04932), and identified Srebp-1 as a key regulator in the synthesis of cholesterol and triglycerides. Subsequently, both immunofluorescence and Western blot analyses demonstrated that QGS suppressed the transfer of Srebp-1 to the nucleus from the cytoplasm, suggesting that the activation of Srebp-1 was inhibited. Our study reveals the effects and mechanisms of QGS in the treatment of MAFLD and provides insights and prospects to further explore the pathogenesis of MAFLD and TCM therapies.

Plants of the Spontaneous Flora with Beneficial Action in the Management of Diabetes, Hepatic Disorders, and Cardiovascular Disease

The current pharmacological agents advised for the management of diabetes as well as cardiovascular and hepatic diseases are subject to numerous studies for safety and efficacy. Therefore, it is worth looking into alternative therapeutic aids such as natural products of medicinal plants. By a broad review of in vitro and in vivo studies on the various dandelion, chicory, and mulberry extracts, this work highlights their bioactive compounds and therapeutic action when used as a prevention and management aid in public health such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and hepatic disorders like non-alcoholic steatohepatitis. Natural products of dandelion leaves and root extracts can suppress the development of liver cancer, decrease insulin resistance, and suppress total triglyceride and cholesterol levels. Recent studies on mulberry leaves extracts indicated that they could decrease palmitic acid-induced lipotoxicity, increase total cholesterol and bile acid excretion, improve superoxide dismutase expression, and improve insulin resistance. Chicory root extracts boost satiety, reverse insulin resistance, and augment lipid metabolism thanks to their contents in chicoric acid, chlorogenic acid, and polysaccharides. Taraxacum officinale L., Morus nigra L., and Cichorium intybus L. present hepatoprotective, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, hypolipidemic, and hypoglycemic activities and are shown to be advantageous in the management of obesity, dyslipidemia, Type 2 diabetes, and non-alcoholic fatty liver diseases. These plants are commonly available in the European spontaneous flora and more attention could be paid to their natural products.

The direct correlation between oxidative stress and LDL-C levels in adults is maintained by the Friedewald and Martin equations, but the methylation levels in the MTHFR and ADRB3 genes differ

Low-density lipoprotein (LDL-C) concentrations are a standard of care in the prevention of cardiovascular disease and are influenced by different factors. This study compared the LDL-C concentrations estimated by two different equations and determined their associations with inflammatory status, oxidative stress, anthropometric variables, food intake and DNA methylation levels in the LPL, ADRB3 and MTHFR genes. A cross-sectional population-based study was conducted with 236 adults (median age 37.5 years) of both sexes from the municipality of João Pessoa, Paraíba, Brazil. The LDL-C concentrations were estimated according to the Friedewald and Martin equations. LPL, ADRB3 and MTHFR gene methylation levels; malondialdehyde levels; total antioxidant capacity; ultra-sensitive C-reactive protein, alpha-1-acid glycoprotein, homocysteine, cobalamin, and folic acid levels; usual dietary intake; and epidemiological variables were also determined. For each unit increase in malondialdehyde concentration there was an increase in the LDL-C concentration from 6.25 to 10.29 mg/dL (p <0.000). Based on the Martin equation (≥70 mg/dL), there was a decrease in the DNA methylation levels in the ADRB3 gene and an increase in the DNA methylation levels in the MTHFR gene (p <0.05). There was a positive relation of homocysteine and cholesterol intake on LDL-C concentrations estimated according to the Friedewald equation and of waist circumference and age based on the two estimates. It is concluded the LDL-C concentrations estimated by the Friedewald and Martin equations were different, and the Friedewald equation values were significantly lower than those obtained by the Martin equation. MDA was the variable that was most positively associated with the estimated LDL-C levels in all multivariate models. Significant relationships were observed based on the two estimates and occurred for most variables. The methylation levels of the ADRB3 and MTHFR genes were different according to the Martin equation at low LDL-C concentrations (70 mg/dL).

Amelioration of the Lipogenesis, Oxidative Stress and Apoptosis of Hepatocytes by a Novel Proteoglycan from Ganoderma lucidum

The steatosis and resultant oxidative stress and apoptosis play the important roles in the progression of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), therefore, searching for the effective drugs against NAFLD has been a hot topic. In this work, we investigated a hyperbranched proteoglycan, namely FYGL extracted from Ganoderma lucidum, inhibiting the palmitic acid (PA)-induced steatosis in HepG2 hepatocytes. FYGL compose of hydrophilic polysaccharide and lipophilic protein. Both moieties conclude the reductive residues, such as glucose and cystine, making FYGL capable of anti-oxidation. Herein, we demonstrated that FYGL can significantly inhibit the steatosis, i.e., decrease the contents of triglycerides (TG) and total cholesterol (TC) in hepatic cells on the mechanism of increasing the phosphorylation of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC), therefore inhibiting the expressions of sterol regulatory element-binding protein 1 (SREBP1) and fatty acid synthase (FASN), furthermore leading to the carnitine palmitoyl transferase-1 (CPT-1) expression increased against steatosis induced by fatty acids oxidation. Meanwhile, FYGL can alleviate reactive oxygen species (ROS) and malondialdehyde (MDA), promote superoxide dismutase (SOD) and total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC). Moreover, FYGL can prevent the cells from apoptosis by regulating the apoptosis-related protein expressions and alleviating oxidative stress. Notably, FYGL could significantly recover the cells activity and inhibit lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release which were negatively induced by high concentration PA. These results demonstrated that FYGL has the potential functions to prevent the hepatocytes from lipid accumulation, oxidative stress and apoptosis, therefore against NAFLD.

Extraction and structural analysis of Angelica sinensis polysaccharide with low molecular weight and its lipid-lowering effect on nonalcoholic fatty liver disease

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is one of the prevalent and typical chronic liver diseases. In this study, we extracted a novel Angelica sinensis polysaccharide (ASP) with low molecular weight (MW) of 3.2 kDa through optimized "one-step" purification process. The major monosaccharide components of ASP were mannose, rhamnose, glucuronic acid, galactose, arabinose, and xylose with weight ratio of 0.23:0.17:14.41:0.39:1.68:0.87, respectively. Herein, "small" ASP could serve as an effective therapeutic option for NAFLD both in free fatty acid-induced L02 models and in high-fat diet-induced mice models. Results revealed that low MW ASP dose-dependently decreased TG, TC in vitro and TG, TC, ALT, HDL-C, and LDL-C in vivo. Oil Red O-positive area and Nile red fluorescence intensity decreased in ASP treatment groups both in vitro and in vivo which suggested ASP could reduce lipid accumulation and fatty regeneration. Hematoxylin-eosin staining results shown a decrease in hepatocytes ballooning indicating that ASP could ameliorate liver lipid degeneration. Briefly, a novel polysaccharide with low MW was successfully obtained which can prospectively act as NAFLD therapy.

Resource, chemical structure and activity of natural polysaccharides against alcoholic liver damages

Many natural polysaccharides from bio-resources hold advantages of multi-functions, high efficiency, non-toxicity or low side effect, and have strong potentials in protection against alcoholic liver damages. This review summarized the bio-resources, chemical and structural characteristics of natural polysaccharides with potentials in inhibition against alcoholic liver damages, and also emphasized knowledge on correlations between their chemical structure and function. Approximately 95 species were confirmed in generation of hepatoprotective polysaccharides. Products as crude polysaccharides originated from 17 species were sum up despite the indetermination of their accurate structure. Additional four polysaccharides were described for their known chemical structures. Possible roles of hepatoprotective polysaccharides were provided with evidence on antioxidant promotion, lipids regulation, apoptosis inhibition and anti-inflammation, as well as confirmations in immune enhancement, iron removal and anti-fibrosis when currently treated against the alcoholic liver damages. To sum up, this overview could serve to guide development and utilization of natural hepatoprotective polysaccharides.

Aspirin Improves Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease and Atherosclerosis through Regulation of the PPARδ-AMPK-PGC-1α Pathway in Dyslipidemic Conditions

This study is aimed at elucidating how aspirin could systemically and simultaneously normalize nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and atherosclerosis through both in vitro and in vivo studies in hyperlipidemic conditions. We evaluated the effects and mechanism of aspirin on the levels of various biomarkers related to NAFLD, atherosclerosis, and oxidative phosphorylation in cells and animals of hyperlipidemic conditions. The protein levels of biomarkers (PPARδ, AMPK, and PGC-1α) involved in oxidative phosphorylation in both the vascular endothelial and liver cells were elevated by the aspirin in hyperlipidemic condition. Also in the stimulation pathway of oxidative phosphorylation by aspirin, PPARδ was a superior regulator than AMPK and PGC-1α in HepG2 cells. In the vascular endothelial cells, the phosphorylated endothelial nitric oxide synthase level was increased by the treatment. The protein levels of biomarkers related to lipid synthesis were decreased by the treatment in the liver cells. In rabbits administered with cholesterol diet, the levels of triglyceride, HDL-cholesterol, and alanine amino transferase in serums were ameliorated by the aspirin treatment, the levels of ATP and TNFα were increased or decreased, respectively, by the aspirin in liver and aorta tissues, and mannose receptor and C-C chemokine receptor type 2 levels were increased or decreased by the aspirin in spleen, respectively. The elevated levels of macrophage antigen, angiotensin II type1 receptor, and lipid accumulation were decreased in both the liver and aorta tissues in the aspirin-treated group. In conclusion, aspirin can systemically and simultaneously ameliorate NAFLD and atherosclerosis by inhibiting lipid biosynthesis and inflammation and by elevating catabolic metabolism through the activation of the PPARδ-AMPK-PGC-1α pathway. Furthermore, aspirin may normalize atherosclerosis and NAFLD by modulating the mannose receptor and CCR2 in macrophages.

Design, synthesis and evaluation of 5-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-3H-1,2-dithiole-3-thione-Based fibrates as potential hypolipidemic and hepatoprotective agents

Six novel target compounds 5-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-3H-1,2-dithiole-3-thione (ADT) based fibrates were synthesized and evaluated. All the synthesized compounds were preliminarily screened by using the Triton WR-1339-induecd hyperlipidemia model, in which T1 exhibited more potent hypolipidemic property than positive drug fenofibrate (FF). T1 also significantly decreased serum triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol (TC) and low density lipoprotein cholesterin (LDL) in methionine solution (Mets) induced hyperlipidemic mice. Moreover, hepatic transaminases (AST and ALT) were obviously ameliorated after treatment with T1 and the histological observation indicated that T1 ameliorated the injury in liver tissue and inhibited the hepatic lipid accumulation. In the livers of T1-administrated rat, the levels of PPARα related to lipids metabolism were up-regulated. Additional effects such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and H₂S releasing action confirmed and reinforced the activity of T1 as a potential multifunctional hypolipidemic and hepatoprotective agent.