Artemisia capillaris Thunb. aqueous extract alleviates Metabolic Dysfunction-associated Steatotic Liver Disease through modulating the gut-liver axis
Description
Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is a prevalent chronic liver disease. Artemisia capillaris Thunb, a natural medicinal plant with hepatoprotective and cholagogic properties, is commonly used to treat jaundice and cholestasis. This study evaluates the potential therapeutic effects of Artemisia capillaris Thunb aqueous extract (ACTE) in a high-fat diet (HFD)-induced MASLD mouse model by observing mouse phenotypes, conducting biochemical analyses, performing 16S rRNA gene sequencing, utilizing bile acid-targeted metabolomics, and applying molecular biology techniques to comprehensively explore the mechanisms of ACTE. The results demonstrate that ACTE ameliorates obesity and hepatic lipid accumulation in MASLD mice, modulates gut microbiota composition, activates the FXR signaling pathway, enhances bile acid enterohepatic circulation, strengthens intestinal barrier integrity, and alleviates liver inflammation and pyroptosis by inhibiting the NF-κB and NLRP3 signaling pathways. These findings suggest that ACTE exerts its potential intervention through the interplay between gut microbiota and liver in combating MASLD.
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Steps to reproduce
We elucidated the active ingredient content of ACTE by HPLC and assessed its therapeutic effects on HFD-induced MASLD in mice by mouse signs and lipid biochemical parameters. Combined with 16S rRNA gene sequencing, bile acid-targeted metabolomics, qRT-PCR and WB techniques to analyze the changes in the composition of the intestinal flora, bile acid metabolic pathways, inflammation and pyroptosis pathways in mice, we explored the molecular mechanisms of ACTE intervention in mice with MASLD.
Institutions
- Northeast Agricultural University