The AMPK pathway in fatty liver disease

The protective effects and mechanism of myricetin in liver diseases (Review)

Liver diseases have become one of the significant threats to global health. However, there is a lack of effective targeted therapeutic drugs in this field and the existing drugs used for liver disease treatment usually have side‑effects. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has the distinctive advantages of multi‑target and low side‑effects. As a flavonoid with various pharmacological activities such as anti‑tumour, anti‑oxidant, anti‑inflammatory and anti‑bacterial, the TCM myricetin has been widely used in liver disease research. The present work focuses on the role and molecular mechanism of myricetin in liver diseases such as acute liver injury, fatty liver, liver fibrosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. It is a promising reference for further research and application of myricetin in the treatment of liver diseases.

Fructose-induced progression of steatohepatitis involves disrupting aldolase B-AMPK signaling in methionine adenosyltransferase 1A deficient mice

OBJECTIVE

Aldolases (ALDO) are sensors that regulate AMPK via binding to fructose 1,6-biphosphate (FBP), an intermediate of glucose and fructose metabolism. Fructose consumption is linked to metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) progression but whether ALDO-AMPK signaling is involved is unknown. Methionine adenosyltransferase alpha 1 (Mat1a) knockout (KO) mice have low hepatic S-adenosylmethionine (SAMe) level and spontaneously develop steatohepatitis. ALDOB methylation has not been reported and here we investigated whether SAMe level regulates ALDOB and ALDOB-AMPK signaling and whether fructose feeding accelerates MASLD progression by disrupting ALDOB-AMPK signaling.

METHODS

Mass spectrometry identified ALDOB methylation sites and recombinant in vitro approaches assessed how methylation at those sites affects ALDOB oligomerization and activity. Primary hepatocytes cultured with high/low glucose and/or fructose and wild type (WT) and Mat1a KO mice fed with a high-fructose diet examined AMPK-ALDOB signaling and MASLD progression.

RESULTS

In Mat1a KO livers ALDOB R173 is hypomethylated while ALDOB activity is enhanced. Recombinant ALDOB is methylated at R173 and R304 by protein arginine methyltransferase 1. Low hepatic SAMe level results in hypomethylated ALDOB, which favors the tetrameric form that has higher enzymatic activity, and higher capacity to signal to activate AMPK. Fructose, independently of glucose levels, inhibited AMPK activity and induced lipid accumulation in hepatocytes. Mat1a KO mice have hyperactivated AMPK and fructose feeding inhibits it, enhancing the accumulation of fat in the liver and the progression of MASLD.

CONCLUSION

Hepatic SAMe levels regulate ALDOB oligomeric state and enzymatic activity impacting on AMPK signaling and fructose-induced MASLD progression.

Comparation of brain-targeting chitosan/sodium tripolyphosphate and ovalbumin/sodium carboxymethylcellulose nanoparticles on dihydromyricetin delivery and cognitive impairment in obesity-related Alzheimer's disease

The brain-gut axis plays an important role in regulating cognitive ability in obesity-related Alzheimer's disease (AD). In this study, we aimed to investigate the correlation between the barrier penetration ability of the DMY nanodelivery system in vivo and the regulation of the gut-brain axis to alleviate cognitive impairment. Brain-targeted peptide (TGN: TGNYKALHPHNG) and DMY loaded chitosan (CS)/sodium tripolyphosphate (TPP) nanoparticles (TGN-DMY-CS/TPP-NPs) and ovalbumin (OVA)/sodium carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) nanoparticles (TGN-DMY-OVA/CMC-NPs) were prepared. TGN-DMY-CS/TPP-NPs demonstrated superior mucus penetration and BBB targeting ability compared to TGN-DMY-OVA/CMC-NPs, while the latter showed notable intestinal accumulation. TGN-DMY-CS/TPP-NPs treatment significantly increased the relative abundance of Alistipes and Rikenellaceae_RC9_gut_group, and TGN-DMY-OVA/CMC-NPs treatment obviously enhanced the relative abundance of Lactobacillus. Furthermore, both nanoparticles alleviated lipid metabolism disorder, oxidative stress, and inflammation in the liver, reduced oxidative stress and neuroinflammation in the brain, inhibited neuronal apoptosis, and enhanced mitochondrial biogenesis and synaptic plasticity in obesity-related AD mice. Despite different mucus penetration and biodistribution, their similar efficacy in improving obesity-related AD is attributed to the gut-brain bidirectional connection.

Targeting Metabolic Diseases with Celastrol: A Comprehensive Review of Anti-Inflammatory Mechanisms and Therapeutic Potential

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Tripterygium wilfordii is a traditional Chinese medicine used to treat rheumatic diseases, with properties such as clearing heat, detoxifying, dispelling wind, and relieving pain. In recent years, its active compound, celastrol, garnered significant attention for its potential therapeutic effects on metabolic diseases. Celastrol exhibits bioactivities such as regulating metabolic functions and anti-inflammatory effects, positioning it as a promising candidate for the treatment of obesity, diabetes, atherosclerosis (AS), and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).

AIM OF THE REVIEW

This review aims to explore the pharmacological mechanisms of celastrol in metabolic diseases, focusing on its anti-inflammatory mechanisms and metabolic regulation effects, providing theoretical support for further investigation of its therapeutic potential in metabolic diseases.

METHODS

Literature was retrieved from PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, Cochrane, and Google Scholar. This review primarily focuses on anti-inflammatory mechanisms of celastrol, its metabolic regulation, and toxicity studies, by systematically analyzing its effects in obesity, diabetes, AS, and NAFLD, providing scientific evidence for its potential clinical applications.

RESULTS

Celastrol regulates multiple signaling pathways, particularly inhibiting NF-κB and activating AMPK, reducing the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and improving insulin sensitivity, enhancing its therapeutic potential in metabolic diseases. Additionally, celastrol regulates adipogenesis and energy metabolism by influencing key transcription factors such as PPARγ and SREBP-1c. Numerous studies highlight its role in alleviating oxidative stress and improving mitochondrial function, further enhancing its metabolic benefits.

CONCLUSION

In summary, celastrol holds great promise as a multi-target therapeutic agent for metabolic diseases, offering anti-inflammatory, metabolic regulatory, and antioxidative benefits. Despite these, challenges remain for the clinical application of celastrol due to its poor bioavailability and potential toxicity. Advanced formulation strategies and targeted delivery systems are urgently needed to overcome challenges related to bioavailability and clinical translation.

Alpha-aminobutyric Acid Ameliorates Diet-induced Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease (MASLD) Progression in Mice via Enhancing AMPK/SIRT1 Pathway and Modulating the Gut-Liver Axis

Alpha-aminobutyric acid (ABA) is a non-proteinogenic amino acid, a metabolite which could be generated from the metabolism of methionine, threonine, serine and glycine or as a gut-microbiome-derived metabolite. Changes in ABA levels have been embroiled in metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) intervention studies, but their relation to MASLD pathogenesis remains unclear. Hence, this present study aimed to investigate the effect of oral ABA supplementation on the progression of a high fat/high cholesterol diet (HFD) induced MASLD mice model. ABA was found to remodel the gut microbiome composition and ameliorate MASLD parameters in HFD-fed mice. ABA mitigated HFD-induced gain in liver weight, hepatic steatosis, insulin resistance, serum and hepatic triglyceride levels, and liver cholesterol levels. Modulation of lipid metabolism was observed in the liver, in which expression of proteins and/or genes involved in de novo lipogenesis were suppressed, while those involved in fatty acid oxidation and autophagy were upregulated together with cellular antioxidant capacity, in addition to the enhancement of the AMPK/SIRT1 pathway. ABA reshaped the gut composition by enriching nine bacterial species, including Helicobacter hepaticus, Desulfovibrio sp. G11, Parabacteroides distasonis, and Bacteroides fragilis, while diminishing the abundance of 16 species, which included four Helicobacter species. KEGG pathway analysis of microbial functions found that ABA impeded secondary bile acid biosynthesis - which was reflected in the faecal BA composition analysis. Notably, ABA also inhibited ileal FXR-Fgf15 signalling, allowing for increased hepatic Cyp7a1 expression to eliminate cholesterol buildup in the liver. Overall, our findings indicate that ABA could be used as a promising therapeutic approach for the intervention of MASLD.

Meteorin-like alleviates hepatic steatosis by regulating hepatic triglyceride secretion and fatty acid oxidation

Amid a rising prevalence of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), there is still an unmet need to better treat it. We identified a secreted factor, Meteorin-like (Metrnl), with decreased levels in livers with hepatic steatosis. Notably, recombinant Metrnl ameliorated hepatic steatosis in NAFLD mouse models. Mechanistically, Metrnl exerted dual effects by promoting triglyceride (TG) transportation by the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt/Sp1/cytidylyltransferase α (CCTα) axis, thereby increasing the biosynthesis of phosphatidylcholine (PC) to facilitate TG secretion from the liver while facilitating AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK)-dependent fatty acid oxidation (FAO). Exogenous injection of cytidine diphosphocholine (CDP)-choline, the production of CCTα, to increase PC synthesis, was shown to restore the inhibition of TG secretion in hepatic Metrnl-deficient (LKO-Met) mice. Combining CDP-choline and an AMPK activator was sufficient to rescue hepatic steatosis in LKO-Met mice. Collectively, these findings reveal unexpected roles of Metrnl as a factor in PC biosynthesis, TG secretion, and FAO, suggesting potential therapeutic application for NAFLD.

Modulatory Effects of Ophiocordyceps sinensis Mycelia on Hepatosteatosis Development in a High-Fat Dietary Habit

The global rise in obesity is closely associated with the increasing prevalence of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and metabolic syndromes, posing significant health challenges. This study explored the ameliorative effects of Ophiocordyceps sinensis mycelia (TCM-NA01 formula: 1.4 mg adenosine and 55.2 mg polysaccharide/capsule) on hepatosteatosis development in a high-fat diet (HFD)-fed mice. TCM-NA01 supplementation significantly reduced (p < 0.05) body weight, adipose tissue, serum triglyceride (TG)/cholesterol (TC), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and alanine aminotransferase (ALT), liver TG/TC levels in HFD-fed mice. Increased (p < 0.05) fecal-lipid and bile-acid outputs were observed. Apparent reductions in lipid-droplet and steatosis scores (p < 0.05) in the HFD-fed mice supplemented with TCM-NA01. Furthermore, TCM-NA01 modulated lipid metabolism by decreasing fatty acid synthesis and promoting fatty acid β-oxidation. TCM-NA01 also enhanced liver antioxidant capacity and decreased proinflammatory cytokines (p < 0.05). These findings underscore the potential of O. sinensis mycelia as a nutraceutical agent for alleviating hepatosteatosis, liver oxidative stress, and chronic inflammation, offering a promising strategy for the management of obesity and NAFLD.

Targeting Histone Deacetylase 11 with a Highly Selective Inhibitor for the Treatment of MASLD

Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) represents the most prevalent chronic liver disorder globally. Due to its intricate pathogenesis and the current lack of efficacious pharmacological interventions, there is a pressing need to discover novel therapeutic targets and agents for MASLD treatment. Herein, it is found that histone deacetylase 11 (HDAC11), a subtype of HDAC family, is markedly overexpressed in both in vitro and in vivo models of MASLD. Furthermore, the knockdown of HDAC11 is observed to mitigate lipid accumulation in hepatic cells. A highly selective HDAC11 inhibitor, B6, which exhibits favorable pharmacokinetic property and liver distribution, is further designed and synthesized. Integrating RNA-seq data with in vivo and in vitro experiments, B6 is found to inhibit de novo lipogenesis (DNL) and promote fatty acid oxidation, thus mitigating hepatic lipid accumulation and pathological symptoms in MASLD mice. Further omics analysis and experiments reveal that B6 enhances the phosphorylation of AMPKα1 at Thr172 through the inhibition of HDAC11, consequently modulating DNL and fatty acid oxidation in the liver. In summary, this study identifies HDAC11 as a potential therapeutic target in MASLD and reports the discovery of a highly selective HDAC11 inhibitor with favorable drug-like properties for the treatment of MASLD.

Fermented Protaetia brevitarsis Larvae Alleviates High-Fat Diet-Induced Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease in C57BL/6 Mice via Regulation of Lipid Accumulation and Inflammation

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), characterized by hepatic steatosis and hepatitis, is the most frequently encountered complication of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Due to its hepatoprotective, anti-obesity, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory effects, Protaetia brevitarsis (P. brevitarsis) larvae have been used as traditional medicine to treat liver diseases since ancient times. Therefore, this study was conducted to confirm the positive effect of fermented P. brevitarsis larvae (FPB) on NAFLD. The results showed that high-fat diet (HFD)-induced dysglycemia was improved by treatment with FPB as determined by testing for fasting blood glucose and oral glucose tolerance. The weight of liver and white adipose tissue and the levels of serum lipid, hepatotoxicity, and nephrotoxicity indicators were reduced by FPB. In addition, oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction caused by HFD were improved by FPB. In a similar manner, HFD-induced hepatic steatosis was prevented by FPB through regulation of the AMP-activated protein kinase pathway and serum lipid profile. HFD-induced hepatitis and apoptosis were ameliorated by FPB via the nuclear factor-kappa B pathway and the B-cell lymphoma 2 protein family. In conclusion, this study suggests the potential for application of FPB as a prophylactic agent for treatment of NAFLD through suppression of lipid accumulation and inflammation in the liver.

Alternate-day fasting enhanced weight loss and metabolic benefits over pair-fed calorie restriction in obese mice

OBJECTIVE

Both alternate-day fasting (ADF) and calorie restriction (CR) are effective weight loss strategies. However, most individuals find it difficult to adhere to CR. Furthermore, CR can induce an excessive loss of not only fat but also muscle mass. This study aimed to compare the effects of ADF and pair-feeding (PF) CR on metabolic pathways underlying obesity in mice with high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obesity.

METHODS

Male C57BL/6N Tac mice (n = 10 per group) were fed an HFD for 8 weeks to establish a diet-induced obesity model. Mice were then continued on the HFD with either alternate-day access to food or PF for the next 8 weeks. We measured body weight, adiposity, plasma biomarkers, and molecular mechanisms involving lipolysis and autophagy.

RESULTS

Both ADF and PF resulted in comparable weight and fat loss. Compared with PF, ADF showed a significant reduction in liver weight and hepatic triglyceride levels. ADF significantly increased plasma ketone body levels and white adipose tissue lipolysis. Compared with PF, ADF tended to activate autophagy elongation and autophagosome formation, which were insignificant.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings indicated that ADF is a promising intervention for metabolic diseases, potentially due to its superior efficacy in promoting ketogenesis and lipolysis compared with PF.

Ginsenoside Rg1: A bioactive therapeutic agent for diverse liver diseases

Diverse liver diseases are characterised by late diagnosis and rapid progression and have become one of the major threats to human health. To delay the transition from benign tissue lesions to a substantial organ injury, scientists have gradually applied natural compounds derived from plants as a complementary therapy in the field of hepatology. Ginseng (Panax ginseng C. A. Meyer) is a tonic traditional Chinese herbal medicine, and natural products, including ginsenoside Rg1 (G-Rg1), which is a kind of 20(S)-protopanaxatriol saponin with a relatively high biological activity, can be isolated from the roots or stems of ginseng. Given these information, this review aimed to summarise and discuss the metabolic mechanisms of G-Rg1 in the regulation of diverse liver diseases and the measures to improve its bioavailability. As a kind of monomer in Chinese medicine with multitarget pharmacological effects, G-Rg1 can provide significant therapeutic benefits in the alleviation of alcoholic liver disease, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, liver fibrosis, viral hepatitis, etc., which mainly rely on the inhibition of apoptosis, strengthening endogenous anti-inflammatory and antioxidant mechanisms, activation of immune responses and regulation of efflux transport signals, to improve pathological changes in the liver caused by lipid deposition, inflammation, oxidative stress, accumulation of hepatotoxic product, etc. However, the poor bioavailability of G-Rg1 must be overcome to improve its clinical application value. In summary, focusing on the hepatoprotective benefits of G-Rg1 will provide new insights into the development of natural Chinese medicine resources and their pharmaceutical products to target the treatment of liver diseases.

AlphaFold-based AI docking reveals AMPK/SIRT1-TFEB pathway modulation by traditional Chinese medicine in metabolic-associated fatty liver disease

Metabolic-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) is a chronic, progressive disorder characterized by hepatic steatosis and excessive lipid accumulation. Its high global adult prevalence (approximately 50.7 %) is a significant concern worldwide. However, FDA-approved therapeutic drugs remains lacking. Qigui Jiangzhi Formula (QGJZF) shows promise in treating MAFLD by effectively decreasing lipid levels and improving hepatic steatosis, however its mechanisms remain unclear. This study investigated QGJZF's effects in high-fat diet-induced zebrafish and golden hamsters, and in palmitate (PA) and oleic acid (OA) - induced HepG2 cells, using the SymMap database to identify potential targets and pathways of QGJZF in MAFLD and AlphaFold algorithms to predict protein structures. In vivo, QGJZF significantly alleviated hepatic lipid deposition. Intriguingly, QGJZF decreased lipid droplets and its levels are negative correlated with the numbers of autolysosomes, indicating that QGJZF's mechanism of ameliorating liver lipid deposition may be related to the regulation of autophagy. QGJZF upregulated the expressions of phosphorylated -Adenosine 5'-monophosphate (AMP) - activated protein kinase (p-AMPK), Sirtuin deacetylase 1 (SIRT1) and Transcription factor EB (TFEB), accompanied by the changes in autophagy-related proteins. In vitro, QGJZF inhibited the lipid deposition in PA/OA-stimulated HepG2 cells, and its effect was blocked by an autophagy inhibitor Baf-A1, which was mediated through upregulation of TFEB and its mediated autophagy-lysosomal pathway. Moreover, cotreatment with AMPK inhibitor Compound C, the regulation of QGJZF on TFEB, SIRT1, autophagy-related protein levels, and lipid deposition were reversed. Network pharmacology identified the PRKAA2 (AMPK) and SIRT1 as key hub targets. Futher analysis of their structures using AlphaFold3 algorithms, yielded high-ranking scores of 0.97 and 0.93, respectively. Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry combined with molecular docking expounded its five compounds in QGJZF binding to AMPK protein. These findings suggest that QGJZF as a therapeutic agent in augmenting autophagy-facilitated lipid clearance for the management of MAFLD via AMPK/SIRT1-TFEB axis.

Picrosides-rich fraction from Picrorhiza kurroa attenuates steatohepatitis in zebrafish and mice by modulating lipid metabolism and inflammation

BACKGROUND

Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) has become a serious public health concern with high global prevalence. The lack of safe and efficient treatment for the condition demands exploring new therapeutic solutions.

PURPOSE

In the present study, we investigated the protective efficacy of picrosides-rich fraction (PF) from Picrorhiza kurroa against steatohepatitis and revealed the molecular mechanism of action.

METHODS

PF was prepared and characterized using UPLC analysis. Initially, the efficacy of PF was studied on the zebrafish model of NASH. Further, a Methionine and Choline-Deficient (MCD) diet-induced NASH model in mice was employed to evaluate the hepatoprotective efficacy of PF by utilizing biochemical, histopathological and molecular studies.

RESULTS

The UPLC analysis revealed the presence of 29.11% and 29.86% picroside I and II in the PF, respectively. In the zebrafish model of NASH, PF treatment reduced the hepatic lipid accumulation and modulated the expressions of lipogenic, inflammatory, oxidative, and cellular stress genes. Further, in MCD diet-induced NASH in mice, PF treatment showed a significant improvement in body weights and serum liver injury markers. Reduced degenerative changes and fibrous tissue was observed in the PF-treated groups. The downregulated expression of Srebp1c, Cd36, Fas, Chrebp, Pparγ, and Hnf4α showed anti-lipogenic potential of PF treatment. NASH development followed oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, and inflammation in the liver of mice. However, PF treatment encouraged mitochondrial biogenesis by upregulating Pgc1α, Tfam, and Nrf2 expressions. The elevated levels of NFκB, TNFα, IL6, TGFβ, and αSMA were also restored by PF, advocating its anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrogenic effect.

CONCLUSION

The present study revealed that PF ameliorate the progression of NASH by increasing mitochondrial biogenesis and decreasing lipogenesis, hepatic inflammation, and fibrosis.

Digestion and absorption of triacetin, a short-chain triacylglycerol

Triacylglycerol (TG) is categorized into long-, medium-, and short-chain TG (SCTG). While the digestion of long- and medium-chain TG is well established, the process for SCTG remains unclear. This study investigated SCTG digestion by administering 2 mmol of triacetin to rats and analyzing acetin, acetic acid, and glycerol levels in the portal blood and small intestine. Triacetin was fully degraded in the upper gastrointestinal tract and absorbed as acetic acid and glycerol. Glycerol influx into the liver promoted gluconeogenesis, while acetate activated AMPK, resulting in the suppression of fatty acid synthesis-related genes and the upregulation of fatty acid β-oxidation-related genes. These findings demonstrate that triacetin not only serves as a substrate for energy metabolism but also regulates hepatic gene expression, highlighting its dual role as both a metabolic substrate and signaling molecule. Triacetin thus shows potential as a dietary modulator for improving metabolic health.

Ebastine-mediated destabilization of E3 ligase MKRN1 protects against metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis

Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is a chronic condition encompassing metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver (MASL) and metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH), which can progress to fibrosis, cirrhosis, or hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The heterogeneous and complex nature of MASLD complicates optimal drug development. Ebastine, an antihistamine, exhibits antitumor activity in various types of cancer. However, its effects on MASH remain unexplored. In the present study, we identified ebastine as a potential treatment for MASH. Our results indicated that ebastine acts as a novel MKRN1 inhibitor by promoting MKRN1 destabilization through self-ubiquitination, leading to AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) activation. Ebastine appeared to bind to the C-terminal domain of MKRN1, particularly at residues R298 and K360. Notably, Mkrn1 knockout (KO) mice demonstrated resistance to MASH, including obesity, steatosis, inflammation, and fibrosis under high-fat-high-fructose diet (HFHFD) conditions. Additionally, liver-specific Mkrn1 knockdown using AAV8 alleviated MASH symptoms in HFHFD-fed mice, implicating MKRN1 as a potential therapeutic target. Consistent with these findings, treatment with ebastine significantly reduced the risk of MASH in HFHFD-fed mice, with a decrease in MKRN1 expression and an increase in AMPK activity. Our study suggests that ebastine binds to MKRN1, promoting its destabilization and subsequent degradation by stimulating its ubiquitination. This enhances AMPK stability and activity, suppressing lipid accumulation, inflammation, and fibrosis. Moreover, the knockout of Mkrn1 mice decreased the risk of MASH, suggesting that ebastine could be a promising therapeutic agent for the treatment of MASH.

Dietary addition of compound organic acids improves the growth performance, carcass trait, and body health of broilers

Introduction

The poultry industry constantly seeks strategies to enhance broiler growth performance and overall health. Organic acidifiers, including L-lactic acid, L-malic acid, and acetic acid, have gained attention as potential feed additives to improve animal production by modulating gut health, enhancing nutrient absorption, and supporting immune function. Despite their promising effects in other animal species, the impact of this novel compound organic acidifier on broiler performance, metabolism, and immune response has not been fully elucidated. This study aims to evaluate the effects of this compound acidifier on growth performance, serum lipid profile, antioxidant status, and immune parameters in broilers, providing insights into its potential benefits as a dietary supplement for broiler health and productivity.

Methods

A total of 240 broilers were randomly divided into four groups: a control group and three treatment groups receiving 0.25%, 0.5%, or 1.0% acidifier, with six replicates of ten birds each. Over a 6-week period, various parameters were measured, including serum triglycerides, high-density lipoproteins, lysozyme, immunoglobulins (IgA, IgM), superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, IL-2, TNF-α, and gene expressions related to lipid metabolism.

Results

Over a 6-week period, the acidifier decreased serum triglycerides and high-density lipoproteins while also enhancing growth performance. Additionally, it raised the serum levels of lysozyme, IgA, IgM, and the SOD. Additionally, IL-2 and TNF-α concentrations in the jejunum mucosa decreased. The acidifier upregulated PPARα, AMPK, FABP1 and MTTP expressions, and downregulated APOB100. Overall, the acidifier effectively improved broiler growth performance during the early development phase primarily by enhancing hepatic lipid metabolism, antioxidant capacity, and immune function.

Conclusion

These results suggest that the acidifier may accelerate liver lipid metabolism in broilers by modulating the gene expression profiles involved in lipid metabolism.

NLRP6 overexpression improves nonalcoholic fatty liver disease by promoting lipid oxidation and decomposition in hepatocytes through the AMPK/CPT1A/PGC1A pathway

OBJECTIVES

To investigate the regulatory role of nucleotide-bound oligomerized domain-like receptor containing pyrin-domain protein 6 (NLRP6) in liver lipid metabolism and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).

METHODS

Mouse models with high-fat diet (HFD) feeding for 16 weeks (n=6) or with methionine choline-deficient diet (MCD) feeding for 8 weeks (n=6) were examined for the development of NAFLD using HE and oil red O staining, and hepatic expressions of NLRP6 were detected with RT-qPCR, Western blotting, and immunohistochemical staining. Cultured human hepatocytes (LO2 cells) with adenovirus-mediated NLRP6 overexpression or knock-down were treated with palmitic acid (PA) in the presence or absence of compound C (an AMPK inhibitor), and the changes in cellular lipid metabolism were examined by measuring triglyceride, ATP and β-hydroxybutyrate levels and using oil red staining, RT-qPCR, and Western blotting.

RESULTS

HFD and MCD feeding both resulted in the development of NAFLD in mice, which showed significantly decreased NLRP6 expression in the liver. In PA-treated LO2 cells, NLRP6 overexpression significantly decreased cellular TG content and lipid deposition, while NLRP6 knockdown caused the opposite effects. NLRP6 overexpression in PA-treated LO2 cells also increased mRNA and protein expressions of PGC1A and CPT1A, levels of ATP and β-hydroxybutyrate, and the phosphorylation level of AMPK pathway; the oxidative decomposition of lipids induced by Ad-NLRP6 was inhibited by the use of AMPK inhibitors.

CONCLUSIONS

NLRP6 overexpression promotes lipid oxidation and decomposition through AMPK/CPT1A/PGC1A to alleviate lipid deposition in hepatocytes.

Multi-omics reveals the mechanism of Trimethylamine N-oxide derived from gut microbiota inducing liver fatty of dairy cows

BACKGROUND

Trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO) is a metabolite produced by gut microbiota, and its potential impact on lipid metabolism in mammals has garnered widespread attention in the scientific community. Bovine fatty liver disease, a metabolic disorder that severely affects the health and productivity of dairy cows, poses a significant economic burden on the global dairy industry. However, the specific role and pathogenesis of TMAO in bovine fatty liver disease remain unclear, limiting our understanding and treatment of the condition. This study aims to construct a bovine fatty liver cell model using an integrated approach that combines transcriptomic, proteomic, and metabolomic data. The objective is to investigate the impact of TMAO on lipid metabolism at the molecular level and explore its potential regulatory mechanisms.

RESULTS

We established an in vitro bovine fatty liver cell model and conducted a comprehensive analysis of cells treated with TMAO using high-throughput omics sequencing technologies. Bioinformatics methods were employed to delve into the regulatory effects on lipid metabolism, and several key genes were validated through RT-qPCR. Treatment with TMAO significantly affected 4790 genes, 397 proteins, and 137 metabolites. KEGG enrichment analysis revealed that the significantly altered molecules were primarily involved in pathways related to the pathology of fatty liver disease, such as metabolic pathways, insulin resistance, hepatitis B, and the AMPK signaling pathway. Moreover, through joint analysis, we further uncovered that the interaction between TMAO-mediated AMPK signaling and oxidative phosphorylation pathways might be a key mechanism promoting lipid accumulation in the liver.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study provides new insights into the role of TMAO in the pathogenesis of bovine fatty liver disease and offers a scientific basis for developing more effective treatment strategies.

Canagliflozin alleviates acetaminophen-induced renal and hepatic injury in mice by modulating the p-GSK3β/Fyn-kinase/Nrf-2 and p-AMPK-α/STAT-3/SOCS-3 pathways

Despite the fact that canagliflozin (Cana), a sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitor, is an anti-diabetic medication with additional effects on the kidney, there is limited experimental data to deliberate its hepato-reno-protective potentiality. Acetaminophen (APAP) overdose remains one of the prominent contributors to hepato-renal damage.

AIM

Our study assessed the novel effect of Cana against APAP-induced toxicities.

MAIN METHODS

mice were randomized into five groups: negative control, Cana25, APAP, Cana10 + APAP, and Cana25 + APAP. Cana was given for 5 days; a single dose of APAP was injected on the 6th day, followed by the scarification of animals 24 h later.

KEY FINDINGS

Pre-treatment with Cana ameliorated hepatic and renal functions, whereas, on the molecular levels, Cana promoted hepatic/renal P-AMP-activated protein kinase-α/ protein kinase B (p-Akt)/Glycogen synthase kinase (p-GSK3β) protein expression. Alternatively, Cana dampened the expression of STAT-3 and Fyn-kinase genes with a subsequent increase in the contents of suppressor of cytokine signaling (SOCS)-3 and also boosted the contents of the nuclear factor erythroid related factor 2 (Nrf-2)/heme oxygenase (HO)-1/ NADPH quinone oxidoreductase (NQO)-1 axis. The crosstalk between these paths ameliorated the APAP-induced hepatorenal structural alterations.

SIGNIFICANCE

Cana hepatorenal protective impact was provoked partly through modulating p-AMPK-α /SOCS-3/STAT-3 and GSK3β/Fyn-kinase signaling for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects.

Molecular Mechanisms of Phthalate-Induced Hepatic Injury and Amelioration by Plant-Based Principles

Phthalates are the emerging environmental toxicants derived from phthalic acid and its constituents, which are moderately present in plastics and many personal care products. Phthalate exposure occurs through various environmental factors, including air, water, and soil, with absorption facilitated via ingestion, inhalation, and dermal contact. Upon exposure, phthalates become bioavailable within the biological systems and undergo biotransformation and detoxification processes in the liver. The physicochemical properties of phthalates indicate their lipophilicity, environmental persistence, and bioaccumulation potential, influencing their absorption, distribution, and hepatic biotransformation. The prolonged exposure to phthalates adversely influences the biological redox system by altering the levels of the enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants, molecular signaling pathways, and causing hepatic pathogenesis. The strategies to combat phthalate-induced toxicity include avoiding exposure to these compounds and using plant-based bioactive molecules such as polyphenols, which possess therapeutic potential as antioxidants, suppress inflammatory cascades, prevent oxidative damage, and stabilize cellular integrity. This review presents a comprehensive and updated account of the chemical, biochemical, immunological, and toxicological properties of phthalates, along with novel plant-based therapeutic strategies to mitigate the phthalate-induced adverse effects on living systems.

10-Hydroxy-2-decenoic acid attenuates nonalcoholic fatty liver disease by activating AMPK-α signaling pathway

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) originates from metabolic dysfunctions, is one of the most commonly encountered liver disorders worldwide, characterized by ectopic lipid deposition within hepatocytes, accompanied by hepatocellular injury and necroinflammation. Currently, NAFLD has very few treatment options. Purified from royal jelly, 10-hydroxy-2-decenoic acid (10-HDA) is the primary bioactive ingredient with a series of beneficial effects against various metabolic diseases. Herein, we investigated the effects of 10-HDA in methionine and choline deficiency (MCD) diet induced NAFLD model and free fatty acids (FFAs) induced lipid-laden hepatocyte model and explored the underlying mechanisms. In the mice fed with MCD diet, 10-HDA treatment significantly reduced hepatic steatosis, hepatocellular injury, apoptosis, inflammatory response and fibrosis. In vitro, 10-HDA treatment reduced lipid accumulation and apoptosis in hepatocytes induced by FFAs. Mechanistically, 10-HDA therapy restored AMPK-α phosphorylation, leading to the phosphorylation and inactivation acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC). Consequently, this increased the expression of carnitine palmitoyl transferase 1α(CPT1α), and peroxisome proliferators-activated receptors α (PPARα), and lowered the expression of cleavage forms of sterol regulatory element binding protein-1 (SREBP-1) and fatty acid synthetase (FASN). Furthermore, pretreating the cells with the AMPK-α inhibitor, compound C, greatly eliminated these beneficial effects of 10-HDA. Additionally, molecular docking analysis indicated that 10-HDA bound the domain of AMPK-α1 subunit. Based on these findings, 10-HDA suppresses hepatic lipogenesis via AMPK-α-dependent suppression of the ACC pathway, thus inhibiting hepatocellular injury, apoptosis, inflammatory response and fibrosis. 10-HDA may represent a promising candidate drug for the treatment of NAFLD.

C-13 Norisoprenoids and Eudesmanoids from Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn. Regulate the Lipid Metabolism via the AMPK/ACC/SREBP-1c Signaling Pathway

Lotustine A (1), an undescribed C-13 norisoprenoid, along with 22 known analogues and two eudesmanoids, were isolated from the aerial parts of Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn. Among them, compounds 2, 15, 17, 21, 22, 24, 25 were isolated from N. nucifera leaves for the first time. Their structures, including absolute configurations, were elucidated by nuclear magnetic resonance, mass spectroscopy, and the modified Mosher's method. Compound 1 is the first example of C-13 norisoprenoid with a terminal double bond between C-5 and C-13. Moreover, the lipid-lowering activities of the isolates were evaluated, and the results showed that 2, 24 and 25 could remarkably decrease the levels of both total cholesterol and triglyceride in free fatty acids induced HepG2 cells at the concentration of 20 μM. The oil red staining assay further demonstrated the lipid-lowering effects of 2, 24 and 25. The western blot results indicated that compounds 2, 24 and 25 could regulate the lipid metabolism via the activation of the AMPK/ACC/SREBP-1c signaling pathway.

Dietary Influences on Gut Microbiota and Their Role in Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease (MASLD)

Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is a major contributor to liver-related morbidity, cardiovascular disease, and metabolic complications. Lifestyle interventions, including diet and exercise, are first line in treating MASLD. Dietary approaches such as the low-glycemic-index Mediterranean diet, the ketogenic diet, intermittent fasting, and high fiber diets have demonstrated potential in addressing the metabolic dysfunction underlying this condition. The development and progression of MASLD are closely associated with taxonomic shifts in gut microbial communities, a relationship well-documented in the literature. Given the importance of diet as a primary treatment for MASLD, it is important to understand how gut microbiota and their metabolic byproducts mediate favorable outcomes induced by healthy dietary patterns. Conversely, microbiota changes conferred by unhealthy dietary patterns such as the Western diet may induce dysbiosis and influence steatotic liver disease through promoting hepatic inflammation, up-regulating lipogenesis, dysregulating bile acid metabolism, increasing insulin resistance, and causing oxidative damage in hepatocytes. Although emerging evidence has identified links between diet, microbiota, and development of MASLD, significant gaps remain in understanding specific microbial roles, metabolite pathways, host interactions, and causal relationships. Therefore, this review aims to provide mechanistic insights into the role of microbiota-mediated processes through the analysis of both healthy and unhealthy dietary patterns and their contribution to MASLD pathophysiology. By better elucidating the interplay between dietary nutrients, microbiota-mediated processes, and the onset and progression of steatotic liver disease, this work aims to identify new opportunities for targeted dietary interventions to treat MASLD efficiently.

Effects of Probiotics on Liver Diseases: Current In Vitro and In Vivo Studies

Various types of liver or hepatic diseases cause the death of about 2 million people worldwide every year, of which 1 million die from the complications of cirrhosis and another million from hepatocellular carcinoma and viral hepatitis. Currently, the second most common solid organ transplant is the liver, and the current rate represents less than 10% of global transplant requests. Hence, finding new approaches to treat and prevent liver diseases is essential. In liver diseases, the interaction between the liver, gut, and immune system is crucial, and probiotics positively affect the human microbiota. Probiotics are a non-toxic and biosafe alternative to synthetic chemical compounds. Health promotion by lowering cholesterol levels, stimulating host immunity, the natural gut microbiota, and other functions are some of the activities of probiotics, and their metabolites, including bacteriocins, can exert antimicrobial effects against a broad range of pathogenic bacteria. The present review discusses the available data on the results of preclinical and clinical studies on the effects of probiotic administration on different types of liver diseases.

Epigenetic Modulation with 5-Aza-CdR Prevents Metabolic-Associated Fatty Liver Disease Promoted by Maternal Overnutrition

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES

This study builds on previous findings from mouse models, which showed that maternal overnutrition induced by a high-fat diet (HFD) promotes metabolic-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) in offspring, linked to global DNA hypermethylation. We explored whether epigenetic modulation with 5-Aza-CdR, a DNA methylation inhibitor, could prevent MAFLD in offspring exposed to maternal overnutrition.

METHODS

The offspring mice from dams of maternal overnutrition were fed either a chow diet or a high-fat diet (HFD) for 10 weeks. These mice were randomly divided into two groups: HFD, and AZA + HFD. Mice assigned to the AZA group were given 5-Aza-CdR during the last three weeks.

RESULTS

Our findings show that 5-Aza-CdR treatment in HFD-fed offspring effectively countered weight gain, improved glucose regulation, and minimized hepatic fat buildup along with serum lipid imbalances. Additionally, it boosted AMPK signaling and raised PPAR-α expression, pointing to enhanced fatty acid oxidation. We also detected an increase in JNK signaling, affecting the gene expression associated with cell death and proliferation. Notably, treated mice displayed more hepatic inflammation than the HFD group alone, suggesting a complex, dual impact on MAFLD management. Significant apoptotic and inflammatory gene changes were identified, along with corresponding differentially methylated regions triggered by 5-Aza-CdR, marking potential therapeutic targets.

CONCLUSIONS

5-Aza-CdR was shown to mitigate MAFLD features in offspring of maternal overnutrition by reversing DNA hypermethylation and improving metabolic pathways, though its dual impact on inflammation highlights the need for further research to optimize its therapeutic potential.

Evaluating the Role of Aspirin in Liver Disease: Efficacy, Safety, Potential Benefits and Risks

The rise in liver disease incidence and prevalence has led to increasing morbidity and mortality worldwide. Persistent hepatic inflammation drives disease progression by increasing fibrosis, advancing to cirrhosis, and potentially developing into hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Addressing these complications is essential to reduce liver-related mortality. Recent studies suggest that non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, particularly aspirin, may play a beneficial role in managing liver disease. Aspirin's anti-inflammatory and chemoprotective effects contribute to slowing disease progression and reducing the risks associated with chronic liver disease (CLD). This review highlights the current literature on the effects of aspirin in CLD, with a focus on patients with metabolic-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) and hepatitis B and C. We will examine aspirin's potential ability to mitigate fibrosis, reduce the incidence of HCC, and lower liver-related mortality. Additionally, we will discuss its potential side effects and safety considerations, particularly in the context of liver disease, where there is an increased risk of bleeding.

Apigenin as an emerging hepatoprotective agent: current status and future perspectives

Apigenin (C15H10O5, API) is a natural flavonoid widely found in vegetables, fruits, and plants such as celery, oranges, and chamomile. In recent years, API has attracted considerable attention as a dietary supplement due to its low toxicity, non-mutagenic properties and remarkable therapeutic efficacy in various diseases. In particular, evidence from a large number of preclinical studies suggests that API has promising effects in the prevention and treatment of a variety of liver diseases, including multifactorial liver injury, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease/non-alcoholic steatohepatitis, liver fibrosis and liver cancer. This paper provides a comprehensive review of the progress of research into the therapeutic applications of API in liver diseases as of August 2024, based on literature retrieved from databases such as Web of Science, PubMed, CNKI, Google Scholar and ScienceDirect. The hepatoprotective effects of API involve multiple molecular mechanisms, including inhibition of inflammation, alleviation of hepatic oxidative stress, amelioration of insulin resistance, promotion of fatty acid oxidation, inhibition of liver cancer cell proliferation and differentiation, and induction of tumour cell apoptosis. More importantly, signaling pathways such as Nrf2, NF-κB, PI3K/Akt/mTOR, NLRP3, Wnt/β-catenin, TGF-β1/Smad3, AMPK/SREBP, PPARα/γ, MAPKs, and Caspases are identified as key targets through which API exerts its beneficial effects in various liver diseases. Studies on its toxicity and pharmacokinetics indicate that API has low toxicity, is slowly metabolized and excreted in vivo, and has low oral bioavailability. In addition, the paper summarises and discusses the sources, physicochemical properties, new dosage forms, and current challenges and opportunities of API, with the aim of providing direction and rationale for the further development and clinical application of API in the food, pharmaceutical and nutraceutical fields.

Residual levels of dietary deltamethrin interfere with growth and intestinal health in Litopenaeus vannamei

To date, few study explored the damage of chronic dietary exposure to the lipophilic pesticide deltamethrin (DM) in aquatic animals, and it remains unclear whether its toxicity and residue levels would be affected by dietary lipid levels. Therefore, the present study aimed to elucidate the interactions between dietary lipid levels and DM levels in the Pacific white shrimp, focusing on growth performance, antioxidant capacity, and intestinal microbiota. DM has excellent insecticidal activity and has been used worldwide. Previous research has shown that environmental DM poses toxicity risks to aquatic animals. Six different diets were formulated to feed shrimp for 6 weeks with two lipid levels (6.96 %, 10.88 %) and three DM levels (0.2 mg·kg-1, 1 mg·kg-1, 5 mg·kg-1), namely LF0.2, LF1, LF5, HF0.2, HF1, HF5, respectively. Each diet was assigned to three net cages with a total of 18 cages (40 shrimp per tank, average weight (0.382±0.001 g), of which 0.2 mg·kg-1, are grouped in environmental DM control groups. The growth of shrimp was reduced as the dietary DM levels increased. When shrimp were fed a diet containing a high dose of DM, a reduction in their antioxidant capacity was also observed. Enzyme activity and gene expression related to lipid metabolism in hepatopancreas and hemolymph indicated a significant interaction between dietary lipid levels and DM in the lipid metabolism of shrimp. The terms of detoxification-related genes (gst, sult, cyp1a1) were upregulated in shrimp fed the high-dose DM. Additionally, the presence of DM in the diet severely harmed the hepatopancreas and intestinal histological morphology. DM in the diet increased the susceptibility of shrimp to pathogens and induced intestine microbiota dysbiosis, disrupting the balance of inter-species interactions. DM was not detected in the muscle and hepatopancreas of the shrimp after six weeks of exposure. In conclusion, the presence of DM in feed reduced the growth performance and antioxidant capacity of shrimp, damaging intestinal health. DM was rapidly metabolized by shrimp.

Chronic UVB exposure induces hepatic injury in mice: Mechanistic insights from integrated multi-omics

Chronic UVB exposure poses a significant threat to both skin and visceral health. In recent years, the adverse role of chronic UVB exposure in liver health has been suggested but not fully elucidated. This study aims to comprehensively investigate the effects of chronic UVB exposure on liver health in male SKH-1 hairless mice and clarify potential mechanisms through multi-omics approaches. The findings suggested that 10-week chronic skin exposure to UVB not only triggers hepatic inflammation and oxidative stress but also, more importantly, results in lipid metabolism abnormalities in the liver. Hepatic transcriptomic analysis revealed significant alterations in various signaling pathways and physiological processes associated with inflammation, oxidative stress, and lipid metabolism. Further lipidomic analysis illustrated significant changes in the metabolism of glycerolipids, sphingolipids, and glycerophospholipids in the liver following chronic UVB exposure. The 16S rRNA sequencing analysis indicated that chronic UVB exposure disrupts the structure and function of the microbiota. In search of potential mechanisms used by the microbiome to regulate the hepatic disease morphology, we filtered mouse fecal supernatants and cultured the supernatants with HepG2 cells. Fecal supernatant from UVB-exposed mice induced increased secretion of the inflammatory cytokine IL-8, accumulation of MDA, reduced SOD activity, and decreased lipid content in normal hepatic cells. In summary, skin chronic exposure to UVB induces multiple liver injuries and gut microbiota dysbiosis in mice and gut microbiota metabolites may be one of the contributing factors to hepatic injury caused by chronic UVB exposure. These discoveries deepen the comprehension of the health risks associated with chronic UVB exposure.

Qiwei Jinggan Ling regulates oxidative stress and lipid metabolism in alcoholic liver disease by activating AMPK

BACKGROUND

Alcoholic liver disease (ALD) is a severe public health concern worldwide and there is still a lack of effective treatments. Qiwei Jinggan Ling (QJL) has protective effects against various liver injuries, but its pharmacological action on ALD has received little attention.

PURPOSE

To investigate the effect and mechanism of QJL on ALD in vivo and in vitro.

METHODS

In vivo, an ALD mouse model was established by alcohol combined with a high-fat diet (HFD) and treated with QJL. Biochemical indicators, HE staining, and Oil Red O staining were employed to assess hepatic oxidative stress, steatosis, and alcohol metabolism. RNA sequencing analysis was performed, and the results were verified by qRT-PCR and Western blot to elucidate the hepatoprotective mechanism of QJL. In vitro, HepG2 cells were co-stimulated with NaOA (sodium oleate) and EtOH (ethanol), followed by intervention with Compound C (CC, AMPK inhibitor) and QJL-containing serum. Oil Red O, BODIPY (boron-dipyrromethene), and ROS (reactive oxygen species) staining were applied to validate the efficacy and mechanism of QJL-containing serum. The expression of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) pathway-related factors was analyzed through qRT-PCR and Western blot for additional corroboration. Moreover, the key pharmacodynamic components of QJL were identified by UPLC-MS/MS and molecular docking.

RESULTS

In vivo, QJL ameliorated liver structural disorders, steatosis, oxidative stress, and impaired alcohol metabolism, as indicated by biochemical indicators and histopathological assays. RNA sequencing analysis revealed that QJL reversed the expression of genes related to alcohol metabolism, fatty acid metabolism, and cholesterol metabolism. The results of qRT-PCR and Western blot were in line with those of RNA sequencing. Furthermore, it was discovered that QJL significantly upregulated the expression of p-AMPK and downregulated the expression of sterol regulatory element binding transcription factor 1 (SREBP-1c). In vitro, biochemical indicators and staining assays demonstrated that QJL-containing serum inhibited lipid accumulation and oxidative stress. The qRT-PCR and Western blot analysis revealed that QJL-containing serum markedly enhanced the expression of p-AMPK and carnitine palmitoyltransferase 1a (Cpt1a), while suppressing the expression of SREBP-1c, fatty acid synthase (Fasn), and acetyl-coenzyme A carboxylase 1 (ACC-1). However, CC inhibited the above pharmacological activities of QJL-containing serum. Additionally, (2S)-Liquiritigenin, Glycyrrhetinate, Isovitexin, Taxifolin, and Yohimbine were proved to be the key active components of QJL.

CONCLUSION

QJL had the potential to be a therapeutic drug for ALD by activating the AMPK pathway, thereby regulating lipid metabolism and inhibiting oxidative stress.

Study on the Regulatory Mechanism of Niacin Combined with B. animalis F1-7 in Alleviating Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease by Up-Regulating GPR109A

BACKGROUND

This study aimed to investigate the effects of niacin combined with B. animalis F1-7 on the improvement of alcoholic fatty liver disease (AFLD) in mice and its potential regulatory mechanism.

METHODS

A total of 75 8-week-old male C57BL/6N mice were acclimated for one week and randomly divided into five groups: control group, alcohol model group (AFLD), niacin intervention group (NA), B. animalis F1-7 intervention group (F1-7), and niacin combined with B. animalis F1-7 intervention group (NF). The experiment lasted for 8 weeks.

RESULTS

The results showed that all intervention groups could effectively reduce the serum lipid levels and inflammatory response of mice induced by alcohol to varying degrees. The immunofluorescence analysis showed that the GPR109A in the liver and intestine of the NF group was significantly enhanced compared with the other groups. Niacin combined with B. animalis F1-7 better restored the gut microbiota. Meanwhile, each intervention group could increase their levels of SCFAs. Among them, the combination group increased the levels of acetic acid and butyric acid more significantly than the other two groups. The Spearman's correlation analysis of gut microbiota and SCFAs showed that Norank_f_Eubacterium_coprostanoligenes_group, Allobaculum, and Akkermansia were positively correlated with changes in SCFAs, while Coriobacteriaceae_UCG-002, Romboutsia, and Clostridium_sensu_stricro_1 were negatively correlated.

CONCLUSIONS

Niacin combined with B. animalis F1-7 better regulated the gut microbial balance and increased the SCFAs in mice with alcoholic steatohepatitis. The mechanism was related to the activation of the target GPR109A, which regulates the key proteins involved in lipid synthesis and β-oxidation to improve lipid metabolic disorders.

Spirulina platensis Peptide-Loaded Nanoliposomes Alleviate Hepatic Lipid Accumulation in Male Wistar Rats by Influencing Redox Homeostasis and Lipid Metabolism via the AMPK Signaling Pathway

Spirulina platensis low-molecular-weight peptides (SP) have been reported to exhibit antioxidant and hepatoprotective properties. However, the limited bioavailability and solubility of SPs limit their potential applications. In this study, to examine the potential anti-obesity effects and underlying mechanisms of SPs, high-fat diet-induced non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) model rats were treated with SPs and SP-loaded nanoliposomes. Furthermore, hepatic biochemical parameters, inflammatory markers, histopathological changes, and genes involved in AMPK signaling were analyzed. SP-loaded nanoliposomes demonstrated a spherical shape with slower and sustained SP release. SP and SP-loaded nanoliposomes mitigated hepatic damage by lowering serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and increasing hepatic antioxidant enzymes, which are manifested in improving histopathological findings. In addition, notably, SP-loaded nanoliposomes downregulated lipogenic fatty acid synthase (FAS) and sterol regulatory element-binding protein-1c (SREBP-1c) in the liver. Meanwhile, an upregulation of phosphorylated AMP-activated protein kinase (P-AMPK), lipid acid oxidation-related genes carnitine palmitoyltransferase-1 (CPT-1), and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha (PPAR-α) was found in the rat liver. This data implies that SP and SP-loaded nanoliposomes exhibit protective potential in rats against the HFD-induced NAFLD, which is mediated through the activation of the AMPK signaling pathway.

The role of organic anion transport peptides in cyclophosphamide-induced hepatotoxicity in high-fat diet mice

Clinically, patients with lipid metabolism disorders caused by factors such as high-fat diet (HFD) developed severer liver damage and lipid metabolism disorders after treatment with cyclophosphamide (CTX). This can lead to elevated levels of inflammatory cytokines, which in turn lead to changes in levels of various liver and kidney transporters, to increase drug accumulation, which may be a way to exacerbate liver injury. The role of organic anion transport peptides (OATPs), an important uptake transporter, in the transport process of CTX and in the aggravation of liver injury induced by CTX in HFD mice is unclear. The aim of this study was to characterize the hepatotoxicity and lipid metabolism disorders of HFD mice exposed to CTX and to investigate the possible mechanism from the perspective of drug in vivo process and transporter regulation. It has been verified that CTX induced severer liver injury in HFD mice compared with the control group, accompanied with upregulated Interleukin-1β (IL-1β) expression and down-regulated OATPs expression in liver and renal, and increased blood CTX concentration. This suggested that the down-regulation of OATPs involved in IL-1β may play an important role in HFD-CTX-induced liver injury, and then experiments in Hep G2 cells was used to validate the hypothesis. Pharmacokinetic and primary hepatocyte uptake experiments confirmed that OATPs may be an important factor involved in the in vivo process of CTX. In summary, this study demonstrated that HFD mice exhibited severer liver toxicity after exposure to CTX, which may be caused by the disorder of lipid levels and the up-regulation of inflammatory factors, and then the downregulation of liver and renal OATPs to increase the accumulation of CTX in vivo. These findings suggest that IL-1β and OATPs may be involved in the interactive regulation of CTX accumulation and endogenous lipid disturbance, and play very important role in the aggravation of liver injury induced by CTX in HFD mice.

A Spatiotemporally Controlled and Mitochondria-Targeted Prodrug of Hydrogen Sulfide Enables Mild Mitochondrial Uncoupling for the Prevention of Lipid Deposition

Mild mitochondrial uncoupling offers therapeutic benefits for various diseases like obesity by regulating cellular energy metabolism. However, effective chemical intervention tools for inducing mild mitochondria-targeted uncoupling are limited. Herein, we have developed a mitochondria-targeted H2S prodrug M1 with a unique property of on-demand photoactivated generation of H2S accompanied by self-reporting fluorescence for real-time tracking. Upon photoirradiation, M1 decomposes in mitochondria to generate H2S and a turn-on fluorescent coumarin derivative for the visualization and quantification of H2S. M1 is confirmed to induce reactive oxygen species (ROS)-dependent mild mitochondrial uncoupling, activating mitochondria-associated adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) to suppress palmitic acid (PA)-induced lipid deposition in hepatocytes. The uncoupling functions induced by M1 are strictly controlled in mitochondria, representing a fresh strategy to prevent lipid deposition and improve metabolic syndrome by increasing cellular energy expenditure.

Chiglitazar attenuates high-fat diet-induced nonalcoholic fatty liver disease by modulating multiple pathways in mice

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is one of the most common chronic liver diseases worldwide; however, effective intervention strategies for NAFLD are still unavailable. The present study sought to investigate the efficacy of chiglitazar, a pan-PPAR agonist, in protecting against NAFLD in mice and its underlying molecular mechanism. Male C57BL/6 J mice were fed a high-fat diet (HFD) for 8 weeks to generate NAFLD and the HFD was continued for an additional 10 weeks in the absence or presence of 5 mg/kg/d or 10 mg/kg/d chiglitazar by gavage. Chiglitazar significantly improved dyslipidemia and insulin resistance, ameliorated hepatic steatosis and reduced liver inflammation and oxidative stress in NAFLD mice. RNA-seq revealed that chiglitazar alleviated HFD-induced NAFLD in mice through multiple pathways, including fatty acid metabolism regulation, insulin signaling pathway, and AMPK signaling pathway. This study demonstrated the potential therapeutic effect of chiglitazar on NAFLD. Chiglitazar ameliorated NAFLD by modulating multiple pathways.

Polygala fallax Hemsl polysaccharides alleviated alcoholic fatty liver disease by modifying lipid metabolism via AMPK

Alcoholic fatty liver disease (AFLD) is characterized by excessive lipid accumulation in the liver. This study aimed to investigate the protective effects and mechanisms of Polygala fallax Hemsl polysaccharides (PFPs) on AFLD. PFPs were purified and structurally characterized. An AFLD model was established in mice using alcohol and a high-fat diet. A significant reduction in hepatic steatosis was observed following PFPs treatment, evidenced by decreased fat deposition in liver tissues. Additionally, PFPs reduced various liver injury markers, increased levels of antioxidant enzymes, and improved significantly liver function. RNA sequencing revealed that PFPs improved lipid and CYP450 metabolic pathway abnormalities in AFLD mice. Furthermore, PFPs activated the AMPK pathway, reducing lipid accumulation and enhancing lipid metabolism. A HepG2 cell model treated with ethanol and oleic acid showed significant biochemical improvements with PFPs pretreatment, including reduced lipid accumulation and lower reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels. To further elucidate the AMPK and PFPs correlation in AFLD, an AMPK inhibitor (compound C) was used. In vitro and in vivo qRT-PCR and Western blot results confirmed that PFPs protected against AFLD by activating AMPK phosphorylation, regulating lipid synthesis, and inhibiting lipid accumulation. PFPs also modulated CYP2E1 and oxidative stress-related gene expression, affecting liver metabolism.

AMP-activated protein kinase mediates (-)-epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) to promote lipid synthesis in mastitis cows

Mastitis, a serious threat to the health and milk production function of dairy cows decreases milk quality. Blood from three healthy cows and three mastitis cows were collected in this study and their transcriptome was sequenced using the Illumina HiSeq platform. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were screened according to the |log2FoldChange| > 1 and P-value < 0.05 criteria. Pathway enrichment and functional annotation were performed through KEGG and GO analyses. Finally, the mechanism of the AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) mediation of (-)-epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) to promote lipid metabolism in mastitis cows was analyzed in bovine mammary epithelial cells (BMECs). Transcriptome analysis revealed a total of 825 DEGs, with 474 genes showing increased expression and 351 genes showing decreased expression. The KEGG analysis of DEGs revealed that they were mainly linked to tumour necrosis factor, nuclear factor-κB signalling pathway, and lipid metabolism-related signalling pathway, whereas GO functional annotation found that DEGs were enriched in threonine and methionine kinase activity, cellular metabolic processes, and cytoplasm. AMPK expression, which is involved in several lipid metabolism pathways, was downregulated in mastitis cows. The results of in vitro experiments showed that the inhibition of AMPK promoted the expression of lipid synthesis genes in lipopolysaccharide-induced BMECs and that EGCG could promote lipid synthesis by decreasing the expression of AMPK and downregulating the expression of inflammatory factors in inflammatory BMECs. In conclusion, our study demonstrated that AMPK mediated EGCG to inhabit of inflammatory responses and promote of lipid synthesis in inflammatory BMECs.

Exploring the Effects of Whole Food-Based Dragon Fruit on Metabolic Disorders in High-Fat Diet-Induced Mice

SCOPE

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) significantly contributes to premature mortality, with obesity being a major risk factor. Dragon fruit, cultivated globally, exhibits bioactivity in preventing obesity-related diseases. Traditional studies using organic solvents for extraction do not align with actual consumption patterns.

METHOD AND RESULTS

This study evaluates whole red dragon fruit's effectiveness in ameliorating metabolic disorders using a high-fat diet-induced obesity model in mice for 20 weeks. The experimental groups include the supernatant (RS), precipitate (RP), and pomace (PO) of red dragon fruit juice, compared to the supernatant of white dragon fruit juice (WS). The study finds that dragon fruit extracts reduced adipose tissue weight, body fat percentage, pro-inflammatory cytokines, and improved blood lipid profiles. RP is the most effective, reducing body weight by 4.33 g, improving lipid metabolism and glucose homeostasis, and altering gut microbiota to enhance beneficial bacteria and short-chain fatty acids. RP's efficacy in preventing MetS and obesity is attributed to its bioactive components.

CONCLUSION

These findings advocate for using whole fruits in developing functional products, amplifying the agricultural economic value of red dragon fruit.

Coffee Bioactive N-Methylpyridinium: Unveiling Its Antilipogenic Effects by Targeting De Novo Lipogenesis in Human Hepatocytes

SCOPE

Type 2 diabetes and nonalcoholic fatty liver diseases (NAFLDs) are promoted by insulin resistance (IR), which alters lipid homeostasis in the liver. This study aims to investigate the effect of N-methylpyridinium (NMP), a bioactive alkaloid of coffee brew, on lipid metabolism in hepatocytes.

METHODS AND RESULTS

The effect of NMP in modulating lipid metabolism is evaluated at physiological concentrations in a diabetes cell model represented by HepG2 cells cultured in a high-glucose medium. Hyperglycemia triggers lipid droplet accumulation in cells and enhances the lipogenic gene expression, which is transactivated by sterol regulatory element binding protein-1 (SREBP-1). Lipid droplet accumulation alters the redox status and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, leading to the activation of the unfolded protein response and antioxidative pathways by X-Box Binding Protein 1(XBP-1)/eukaryotic Initiation Factor 2 alpha (eIF2α) Protein Kinase RNA-Like ER Kinase and nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF2), respectively. NMP induces the phosphorylation of AMP-dependent protein kinase (AMPK) and acetyl-CoA carboxylase α (ACACA), and improves the redox status and ER homeostasis, essential steps to reduce lipogenesis and lipid droplet accumulation.

CONCLUSION

These results suggest that NMP may be beneficial for the management of T2D and NAFLD by ameliorating the cell oxidative and ER homeostasis and lipid metabolism.

Deciphering the impact and mechanism of total flavonoids from Cortex Juglandis Mandshuricae on alcoholic fatty liver employing LC-MS/MS, network pharmacology analysis and in vitro validation

The Cortex Juglandis Mandshuricae (CJM) has the efficacy of penetrating the liver meridian, removing heat and dampness, and alleviating the liver, which corresponds to the pathogenesis of alcoholic fatty liver disease (AFLD) with damp heat accumulation. Modern research has shown that total flavonoids from Cortex Juglandis Mandshuricae (TFC) have hepatoprotective, antioxidant and antitumour pharmacological effects. However, there is no any investigation on the mechanism of TFC improving AFLD. In this work, a valid strategy combining UPLC-Q-Exactive Orbitrap-MS, network pharmacology and in vitro cellular experimental validation is proposed to predict the targets and pathways of TFC to ameliorate AFLD and to explore its mechanism of action. As a result, 26 flavonoids and 182 targets linked to TFC and AFLD were identified. These compounds realize their critical targets via various signaling pathways and perform multiple biological functions on the basis of the constructed compound-disease target networks. In vitro experiments demonstrated TFC had a protective impact on ethanol-treated L02 cells to a certain extent and could diminished lipid accretion. In addition, RT-qPCR and western blot results illustrated that TFC could regulate the expression of PPARα, CPT-1, SREBP-1c and FAS, and inhibit alcohol-induced lipid accumulation in L02 cells thereby alleviating AFLD. The present study further provides experimental justification for TFC to ameliorate AFLD in practical applications.

Heightened TPD52 linked to metabolic dysfunction and associated abnormalities in zebrafish

The tumor protein D52 (TPD52) gene encodes a proto-oncogene protein associated with various medical conditions, including breast and prostate cancers. It plays a role in multiple biological pathways such as cell growth, differentiation, and apoptosis. The function of TPD52 in lipid droplet biosynthesis has been investigated in vitro. However, its precise role in lipid metabolism in animal models is not fully understood. To investigate the functions of TPD52 in vivo, we performed a conditional TPD52 protein expression analysis using a Tet-off transgenic system to establish conditionally expressed Tpd52 transgenic zebrafish. The effect of Tpd52 on lipogenesis was assessed using various methods, including whole-mount Oil Red O staining, histological examination, and measurement of inflammatory markers and potential targets using real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction and immunoblotting in Tpd52 fish. Zebrafish with increased Tpd52 levels exhibited notable weight gain and the enlargement of fat deposits, which were mainly attributed to an increase in the volume of adipocytes. Moreover, Tpd52 overexpression was correlated with the triggering of the adipocyte differentiation signaling pathway. During adipocytic differentiation in response to nutrient status, our observations revealed adipogenesis, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, and metabolic cardiomyopathy (MCM) in Tpd52 transgenic zebrafish. To gain a deeper understanding of the contribution of these proteins to the regulation of cellular growth, we investigated the expression of their corresponding genes and proteins in zebrafish. In the present study, the activated protein kinase pathway was identified as the primary target of TPD52. Adult Tpd52 zebrafish showed increased lipid accumulation, resulting in the development of visceral obesity, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, and MCM. These findings strongly suggest that TPD52 actively contributes to adipose tissue expansion and its subsequent effects. This investigation provides compelling evidence that Tpd52 facilitates adipocyte development and related metabolic comorbidities in zebrafish.

[Comparison of serum uric acid and liver enzyme levels in adolescents with obesity and with metabolic syndrome]

Introduction

Introduction: a relationship has been observed between elevated levels of liver enzymes and uric acid with the presence of metabolic syndrome (MS) in the pediatric population. Objective: to compare serum liver enzyme and uric acid levels between adolescents with and without MS. Methods: a cross-sectional study was carried out in adolescents with obesity between 10 and 18 years old. Somatometric data, serum insulin, lipid profile, uric acid levels and liver enzymes (aspartate aminotransferase [AST], alanine aminotransferase [ALT] and gamma-glutamyl transferase [GGT]) were analyzed. Statistical analysis: Student's t test or the Chi-square test was used to evaluate differences between groups. Results: a total of 1095 adolescents with obesity were included (444 with MS and 651 without MS). The group with MS had a higher BMI (with MS 2.28 vs without MS 2.11 p < 0.001), with no difference in body fat (42.9 % vs 42.9 %, p = 0.978). The MS group had significantly higher levels of AST (34.4 vs. 29.5, p = 0.013), ALT (42.2 vs. 34.6, p = 0.003), and uric acid (6.17 vs. 5.74, p = 0.002). comparison to the group without MS. The proportion of ALT (40.5 % vs 29.5 %, p = 0.029) and altered uric acid (58.1 % vs. 45.6 %, p = 0.019) was higher in the MS group. Conclusions: serum levels of ALT, AST and uric acid in adolescents with obesity and MS were higher compared to those without MS. Altered ALT was a risk factor for SM.

Efficacy and mechanism of action of Yanxiao Di'naer formula for non-alcoholic steatohepatitis treatment based on metabolomics and RNA sequencing

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most prevalent chronic liver disease worldwide. Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is a crucial component of this disease spectrum. The Yanxiao Di'naer formula (YXDNE) is an Uyghur medical extract that has been used in folk medicine to treat hepatitis for a long time. However, the role and mechanism of action of YXDNE in NASH treatment remains unclear.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study was to assess the effectiveness of YXDNE in treating NASH induced by injections of carbon tetrachloride combined with a high-fat high-cholesterol diet (HFHCD), and to clarify the underlying mechanisms.

METHODS

The compounds in the YXDNE extract were analysed for classification and proportions using ultra-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. The efficacy of YXDNE in treating abnormal lipid metabolism was evaluated in L02 cells in vitro. In addition, a C57BL/6 mouse model of NASH was established to evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of YXDNE in vivo. Metabolomics and RNA sequencing were used to analyse the therapeutic effects of YXDNE on the liver. The corresponding signalling pathways were found to target AMPKα1, PPARα, and NF-κB. The efficacy of YXDNE was validated using inhibitors or silencing RNA (siRNA) against AMPKα1 and PPARα.

RESULTS

This study confirmed that YXDNE treatment ameliorated NASH in a murine model of this disease. Metabolomics analysis suggested that YXDNE efficacy was associated with fatty acid catabolism and AMPK signalling pathways. RNA sequencing results showed that YXDNE efficacy in treating NASH was highly correlated with the AMPK, PPARα and NF-κB pathways. Both in vitro and in vivo experimental data demonstrated that YXDNE affected the expression of p-AMPKα1, PPARα, p-NF-κB, IκB, and p-IκB. The efficacy of YXDNE in treating NASH in vitro was cancelled when AMPK was inhibited with Compound C or PPARα was modulated via siRNA.

CONCLUSIONS

YXDNE may have a therapeutic effect on abnormal lipid metabolism in L02 cells and in a murine model of NASH by affecting the AMPKα1/PPARα/NF-κB signalling pathway. Therefore, YXDNE has the potential for clinical application in the prevention and treatment of NASH.

Suppression of hepatic steatosis in non-alcoholic steatohepatitis model by modified Xiaoyao San formula: Evidence, mechanisms and perspective

In this letter, we comment on a recent publication by Mei et al, in the World Journal of Hepatology, investigating the hepatoprotective effects of the modified Xiaoyao San (MXS) formula in a male rat model of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). The authors found that MXS treatment mitigated hepatic steatosis and inflammation in the NASH model, as evidenced by the reduction in lipid droplets (LDs), fibrosis markers and lipogenic factors. Interestingly, these hepatoprotective effects were associated with androgen upregulation (based on metabolomics analysis of male steroid hormone metabolites), adenosine 5’-monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) activation, and restoration of phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) expression. However, the authors did not clearly discuss the relationships between MXS-induced hepatic steatosis reduction in the NASH model, and androgen upregulation, AMPK activation, and restoration of PTEN expression. This editorial emphasizes the reported mechanisms and explains how they act or interact with each other to reduce hepatic steatosis and inflammation in the NASH model. As a perspective, we propose additional mechanisms (such as autophagy/lipophagy activation in hepatocytes) for the clearance of LDs and suppression of hepatic steatosis by MXS in the NASH model. A proper understanding of the mechanisms of MXS-induced reduction of hepatic steatosis might help in the treatment of NASH and related diseases.

Suppression of hepatic steatosis in non-alcoholic steatohepatitis model by modified Xiaoyao San formula: Evidence, mechanisms and perspective

In this letter, we comment on a recent publication by Mei et al, in the World Journal of Hepatology, investigating the hepatoprotective effects of the modified Xiaoyao San (MXS) formula in a male rat model of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). The authors found that MXS treatment mitigated hepatic steatosis and inflammation in the NASH model, as evidenced by the reduction in lipid droplets (LDs), fibrosis markers and lipogenic factors. Interestingly, these hepatoprotective effects were associated with androgen upregulation (based on metabolomics analysis of male steroid hormone metabolites), adenosine 5’-monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) activation, and restoration of phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) expression. However, the authors did not clearly discuss the relationships between MXS-induced hepatic steatosis reduction in the NASH model, and androgen upregulation, AMPK activation, and restoration of PTEN expression. This editorial emphasizes the reported mechanisms and explains how they act or interact with each other to reduce hepatic steatosis and inflammation in the NASH model. As a perspective, we propose additional mechanisms (such as autophagy/lipophagy activation in hepatocytes) for the clearance of LDs and suppression of hepatic steatosis by MXS in the NASH model. A proper understanding of the mechanisms of MXS-induced reduction of hepatic steatosis might help in the treatment of NASH and related diseases.

The Effects of Warm Acupuncture on the Expression of AMPK in High-Fat Diet-Induced MAFLD Rats

This study investigated the effects of acupuncture and warm acupuncture on the expression and mechanism of the AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) signalling pathway associated with lipid accumulation in the liver tissue of rats with metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) induced by a high-fat diet. Sprague-Dawley rats were categorised into four groups: control (CON), untreated MAFLD (MAFLD), and two MAFLD groups treated with acupuncture (ACU) and warm acupuncture (WA). The treatment groups underwent 16 application sessions over 8 weeks at the SP9 and BL18 acupoints. We measured the expression levels of AMPK, sterol regulatory element-binding protein1 (SREBP1), acetyl-coenzyme A carboxylase (ACC), peroxisome proliferator-activated receptorα (PPARα), carnitine palmitoyltransferase1 (CPT1), and CPT2. AMPK was activated in both ACU and WA groups. WA downregulated both SREBP1 and ACC expression at the protein level, whereas the acupuncture treatment downregulated SREBP1 expression. Additionally, WA selectively induced the activation of signalling pathways related to AMPK, PPARα, CPT1, and CPT2 at the mRNA level. Histological observations confirmed that fat accumulation was reduced in both the ACU and the WA groups compared to the MAFLD group. The WA treatment-promoted amelioration of HFD-induced MAFLD may be related to the activation of the AMPK/SREBP1/ACC pathway in the liver.

Canola Oil Ameliorates Obesity by Suppressing Lipogenesis and Reprogramming the Gut Microbiota in Mice via the AMPK Pathway

BACKGROUND

obesity is a worldwide problem that seriously endangers human health. Canola oil (Col) has been reported to regulate hepatic steatosis by influencing oxidative stress and lipid metabolism in Kunming mice. However, whether Col exhibits an anti-obesity effect by altering the gut microbiota remains unknown.

METHODS

in this study, we observed that a high-fat diet increased lipogenesis and gut microbiota disorder in C57BL/6J male mice, while the administration of Col suppressed lipogenesis and improved gut microbiota disorder.

RESULTS

the results show that Col markedly reduced the final body weight and subcutaneous adipose tissue of C57BL/6J male mice fed a high-fat diet (HFD) after 6 weeks of administration. However, although Col did not effectively increase the serum concentration of HDL, we found that treatment with Col notably inhibited the low-density lipoprotein (LDL), total cholesterol (TC), and triglycerides (TGs) in HFD mice. Furthermore, Col ameliorated obesity in the liver compared to mice that were only fed a high-fat diet. We also found that Col significantly inhibited the relative expression of sterol regulatory element binding protein (SREBP1/2), peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ), and insulin-induced genes (Insig1/2) that proved to be closely associated with lipogenesis in HFD mice. In addition, the concentration of acetic acid was significantly increased in Col-treatment HFD mice. Further, we noted that Col contributed to the reprogramming of the intestinal microbiota. The relative abundances of Akkermansia, Dubosiella, and Alistipes were enhanced under treatment with Col in HFD mice. The results also imply that Col markedly elevated the phosphorylation level of the AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) pathway in HFD mice.

CONCLUSIONS

the results of our study show that Col ameliorates obesity and suppresses lipogenesis in HFD mice. The underlying mechanisms are possibly associated with the reprogramming of the gut microbiota, in particular, the acetic acid-mediated increased expression of Alistipes via the AMPK signaling pathway.

Long-Term Casein-Bound Lactulosyllysine Consumption Induced Nonobese Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease by Promoting Carbonyl Glycation in the Liver of C57BL/6 Mice

Lactulosyllysine (LL) is abundant in thermally processed dairy products, with its concentration increasing in response to more intense heat treatment. However, there are limited studies on the potential harmful effects of LL on human health. This study investigated the negative impact of casein-bound LL on liver health by feeding healthy C57BL/6 mice diets containing varying levels of casein-bound LL. After 16 weeks of LL diet administration, mice exhibited a nonobese nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NONAFLD) phenotype, characterized by reduced body weight gain, hypolipidemia, and intrahepatic lipid accumulation. Nontarget metabolomic analysis showed that casein-bound LL induced alterations in plasma levels of compounds associated with lipid degradation. Mechanistically, casein-bound LL may impair the function of 5'-adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase and apolipoprotein B100 by inducing dicarbonyl stress, thereby promoting carbonyl glycation in the liver. Consequently, the long-term consumption of LL-rich dairy products may be a contributing factor to the risk of developing NONAFLD.

Phytoactives for Obesity Management: Integrating Nanomedicine for Its Effective Delivery

Obesity is a global health concern that requires urgent investigation and management. While synthetic anti-obesity medications are available, they come with a high risk of side-effects and variability in their efficacy. Therefore, natural compounds are increasingly being used to treat obesity worldwide. The proposition that naturally occurring compounds, mainly polyphenols, can be effective and safer for obesity management through food and nutrient fortification is strongly supported by extensive experimental research. This review focuses on the pathogenesis of obesity while reviewing the efficacy of an array of phytoactives used for obesity treatment. It details mechanisms such as enzyme inhibition, energy expenditure, appetite suppression, adipocyte differentiation, lipid metabolism, and modulation of gut microbiota. Comprehensive in vitro, in vivo, and preclinical studies underscore the promise of phytoactives in combating obesity, which have been thoroughly reviewed. However, challenges, such as poor bioavailability and metabolism, limit their potential. Advances in nanomedicines may overcome these constraints, offering a new avenue for enhancing the efficacy of phytoactives. Nonetheless, rigorous and targeted clinical trials are essential before applying phytoactives as a primary treatment for obesity.