Quercetin's Potential in MASLD: Investigating the Role of Autophagy and Key Molecular Pathways in Liver Steatosis and Inflammation

The mechanism study of quercetin isolated from Zanthoxylum bungeanum maxim. inhibiting ferroptosis and alleviating MAFLD through p38 MAPK/ERK signaling pathway based on lipidomics and transcriptomics

Background

As a resource with a variety of medicinal and edible values, Zanthoxylum bungeanum Maxim has been found to improve high-fat diet-induced metabolic-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD).

Aim of the study

The aim of this study was to predict the main active metabolites in Z. bungeanum Maxim. Based on network analysis, and to explore and validate their potential mechanisms of action through lipidomics and transcriptomic techniques.

Materials and Methods

MAFLD mouse model and cell model were established to evaluate the effect of active components in Z. bungeanum Maxim. on MAFLD. Serum biochemical indexes, pathological staining observation, lipid group and transcriptome were used to verify the mechanism of action of active components in Z. bungeanum Maxim. on MAFLD.

Results

Quercetin can regulate the liver lipid metabolites of MAFLD mice through the Glycerophospholipid metabolic pathway, thereby improving liver lipid accumulation and liver injury. At the same time, quercetin can also improve MAFLD by reducing oleic acid-induced lipid accumulation in HepG2 cells, and inhibit ferroptosis through the p38 MAPK/ERK signaling pathway, thereby alleviating the progression of MAFLD.

Conclusion

Quercetin isolated from Z. bungeanum Maxim. has ameliorative effects on MAFLD, probably mainly by affecting lipid metabolic pathways and MAPK signaling pathways.

The Effect of Quercetin on Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) and the Role of Beclin1, P62, and LC3: An Experimental Study

Background/Objectives: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a major metabolic disorder with no established pharmacotherapy. Quercetin, a polyphenolic flavonoid, demonstrates potential hepatoprotective effects but has limited bioavailability. This study evaluates the impact of quercetin on NAFLD and assesses the roles of autophagy-related proteins in disease progression. Methods: Forty-seven male C57BL/6J mice were fed a high-fat diet (HFD) for 12 weeks to induce NAFLD, followed by quercetin treatment for 4 weeks. Mice were divided into baseline, control, and two quercetin groups, receiving low (10 mg/kg) and high (50 mg/kg) doses. Liver histology was scored using the NAFLD Activity Score (NAS). Immunohistochemistry and immunoblotting were performed to analyze autophagy markers. Results: Quercetin-treated groups showed significant reductions in NAS compared to controls (p = 0.011), mainly in steatosis and steatohepatitis. Immunohistochemistry indicated increased expression of autophagy markers LCA and p62 in quercetin groups. Western blot analysis revealed significant elevations in LC3A in the treated groups, suggesting improved autophagic activity and lipid degradation. Conclusions: Quercetin effectively reduces NAFLD severity and modulates autophagy-related proteins. These findings suggest that quercetin enhances autophagic flux, supporting its therapeutic potential for NAFLD. Additional research is needed to clarify the molecular mechanisms of quercetin and to determine the optimal dosing for clinical application.