Zhang H, Lu Y, Zhang Y, Dong J, Jiang S, Tang Y. DHA-enriched phosphatidylserine ameliorates cyclophosphamide-induced liver injury via regulating the gut-liver axis.
Int Immunopharmacol 2024;
140:112895. [PMID:
39133957 DOI:
10.1016/j.intimp.2024.112895]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2024] [Revised: 07/24/2024] [Accepted: 08/05/2024] [Indexed: 09/01/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE
This study explores the therapeutic effects and mechanisms of DHA-enriched phosphatidylserine (DHA-PS) on liver injury induced by cyclophosphamide (CTX) in mice, focusing on the gut-liver axis.
METHODS
A mouse model was established by administering CTX (80 mg/kg) intraperitoneally for 5 days. DHA-PS (50 or 100 mg/kg) was administered for the next 7 days to assess its reparative impact on liver damage.
RESULTS
The findings revealed significant improvements in liver biochemical indices, inflammatory markers, and oxidative stress levels in the mice treated with DHA-PS. Through non-targeted metabolomics analysis, DHA-PS mitigated CTX-induced metabolic disruptions by modulating lipid, amino acid, and pyrimidine metabolism. Immunofluorescence analysis further confirmed that DHA-PS reduced the expression of liver-associated inflammatory proteins by inhibiting the TLR4/NF-κB pathway. Additionally, DHA-PS restored the intestinal barrier, evidenced by adjustments in the levels of intestinal lipopolysaccharide (LPS), secretory immunoglobulin A (sIgA), and tight junction proteins (Claudin-1, Occludin, and ZO-1). It also improved gut microbiota balance by enhancing microbial diversity, increasing beneficial bacteria, and altering community structures.
CONCLUSION
These results suggest that DHA-PS could be a potential therapeutic agent or functional food for CTX-induced liver injury through its regulation of the gut-liver axis.
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