非酒精性脂肪性肝病动物模型研究进展

Quantitative proteomics analysis based on data-independent acquisition reveals the effect of Shenling Baizhu powder (SLP) on protein expression in MAFLD rat liver tissue

BACKGROUND

Metabolic associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) has become the most common chronic liver disease worldwide, and it is also a high-risk factor for the development of other metabolic diseases. Shenling Baizhu powder (SLP) is a traditional Chinese herbal formula with good clinical efficacy against MAFLD. However, its molecular mechanism for the treatment of MAFLD is still not fully understood. This study used quantitative proteomics analysis to reveal the SLP action mechanism in the treatment of MAFLD by discovering the effect of SLP on protein expression in the liver tissue of MAFLD rats.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Q-Orbitrap LC-MS/MS was used to identify the incoming blood compounds of SLP. The 18 SD male rats were randomly divided into 3 groups (n = 6): control group, HFD group and SLP group. The HFD group and SLP group were established as MAFLD rat models by feeding them a high-fat diet for 4 weeks. Afterwards, the SLP group was treated with SLP (10.89 g/kg/d) for 3 weeks. Biochemical parameters and liver pathological status were measured. Rat liver tissue was analyzed using DIA-based quantitative proteomics and the DEPs were validated by western blotting analysis.

RESULTS

A total of 18 active compounds of SLP were identified and isolated to enter the bloodstream. Comparison of DEPs between control group vs. HFD group and HFD group vs. SLP group revealed that SLP restored the expression of 113 DEPs. SLP catalyzes oxidoreductase activity and binding activity on mitochondria and endoplasmic reticulum to promote lipid oxidative catabolism, maintain oxoacid metabolic homeostasis in vivo and mitigate oxidative stress-induced hepatocyte injury. And 52 signaling pathways including PPAR signaling, arachidonic acid metabolism and glycine, serine and threonine metabolism were enriched by KEGG. PPI topology analysis showed that Cyp4a2, Agxt2, Fabp1, Pck1, Acsm3, Aldh1a1, Got1 and Hmgcs2 were the core DEPs. The western blotting analysis verified that SLP was able to reverse the increase in Fabp1 and Hmgcs2 and the decrease in Pck1 induced by HFD, and the results were consistent proteomic data.

CONCLUSION

SLP ameliorates hepatic steatosis to exert therapeutic effects on MAFLD by inhibiting the expression of lipid synthesis genes and inhibiting lipid peroxidation in mitochondria. This study provides a new idea and basis for the study of SLP in the treatment of MAFLD and provides an experimental basis for the clinical application of SLP.

Effect of Jianpishugan Decoction on hepatic lipid metabolism in rats with non-alcoholic steatohepatitis

AIM: To evaluate the efficacy of Jianpishugan Decoction in the treatment of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and the effect of such treatment on hepatic lipid metabolism in rats with NASH.

METHODS: Forty male rats were randomly divided into four groups: blank control group, model group, Jianpishugan Decoction group, and Essentiale treatment group. Rats of all groups except the blank control group were fed a high-fat diet for eight weeks to induce NASH. The Jianpishugan Decoction and Essentiale treatment groups were treated with Jianpishugan Decoction and Essentiale for four weeks, respectively. Hepatic histopathological changes, serum transaminase, serum lipid, liver fat, SOD, MDA, GSH-PX and the mRNA expression of SREBP-1c, SCAP, PPARa, PGC-1a and LXR in the liver were examined.

RESULTS: Compared to the model and Essentiale treatment groups, serum ALT, AST, lipids, hepatic TG, and the severity of hepatic steatosis and inflammation obviously decreased, and hepatic antioxidant levels significantly increased in the Jianpishugan group (all P < 0.05 or 0.01). Compared to the model group, the level of SREBP-1c mRNA significantly decreased and that of PPARa mRNA significantly increased in the Jianpishugan Decoction and essentiale treatment groups (all P < 0.05 or 0.01).

CONCLUSION: Jianpishugan Decoction can regulate hepatic lipid metabolism, inhibit the expression of SREBP-1c and SCAP, and up-regulate the expression of PPARa and PGC-1a in rats with NASH.

A mouse model of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis induced by feeding a methionine-choline-deficient diet: establishment and dynamic monitoring

AIM: To establish a mouse model of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) by feeding a methionine-choline-deficient (MCD) diet and to dynamically monitor the pathological features of hepatic steatosis and inflammation in these mice.

METHODS: Forty mice were randomly divided into two groups and fed an MCD diet or a methionine-choline-sufficient (MCS) diet. At weeks 1 to 5, these mice were sacrificed to take serum samples for biochemical measurements and liver samples for HE staining and oil red O staining to grade the degree of fatty change and inflammation.

RESULTS: Steatosis and inflammation could be seen in mice fed an MCD diet for 2-3 wk. Serum ALT (U/L), AST (U/L) levels increased significantly (133.9 ± 6.3 vs 47.3 ± 1.3; 154.3 ± 24.6 vs 109.2 ± 50.4, both P < 0.05), whereas TG (mmol/L) levels decreased (0.97 ± 0.14 vs 1.45 ± 0.32, P < 0.01) at week 3 in rats fed an MCD diet than in those fed an MCS diet. At wk 5, TG (mmol/L) levels in the liver increased significantly in rats fed an MCD diet than in controls (1.50 ± 0.22 vs 0.98 ± 0.16, P < 0.01). Fibrosis could be seen at week 5 in mice fed an MCD diet.

CONCLUSION: A mouse model of NASH has been created successfully by feeding an MCD diet.