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Sheng-Jiang powder ameliorates NAFLD via regulating intestinal microbiota in mice
Pengcheng Zhang1, Juan Li2, Yifan Miao3
1Regenerative Medicine Research Center, Sichuan University West China Hospital, Chengdu, China.
Background:
Intestinal microbiota have been demonstrated to be involved in the development of NAFLD, while the relationship between the severity of NAFLD and intestinal microbiota is still not fully elucidated. Sheng-Jiang Powder (SJP) showed exact efficacy in treating SFL and great potential in regulating intestinal microbiota, but the effects need to be further addressed in NASH and liver fibrosis.
Objectives:
To investigate the differences in intestinal microbiota of NAFLD with different severity and the effect of SJP on liver damage and intestinal microbiota.
Design:
NAFLD mice models with different severity were induced by high-fat diet (HFD) or choline-deficient, L-amino acid-defined high-fat diet (CDAHFD) feeding and then treated with SJP/normal saline.
Methods:
Biochemical blood tests, H&E/Masson/Oil Red O/IHC staining, Western blot, and 16SrDNA sequencing were performed to explore intestinal microbiota alteration in different NAFLD models and the effect of SJP on liver damage and intestinal microbiota.
Results:
Intestinal microbiota alteration was detected in all NAFLD mice. SJP induced increased expression of Pparγ and alleviated liver lipid deposition in all NAFLD mice. Microbiome analysis revealed obvious changes in intestinal microbiota composition, while SJP significantly elevated the relative abundance of Roseburia and Akkermansia, which were demonstrated to be beneficial for improving inflammation and intestinal barrier function.
Conclusion:
Our results demonstrated that SJP was effective in improving lipid metabolism in NAFLD mice, especially in mice with SFL. The potential mechanism may be associated with the regulation of intestinal microbiota.
Insights
Sheng-Jiang Powder (SJP) improves lipid metabolism in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) mice by regulating gut microbiota. SJP increases beneficial bacteria like Roseburia and Akkermansia, alleviating liver damage.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology and Hepatology
- Microbiology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Intestinal microbiota dysbiosis is implicated in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) development.
- The precise relationship between NAFLD severity and gut microbiota requires further elucidation.
- Sheng-Jiang Powder (SJP) shows promise in treating simple fatty liver (SFL) and modulating gut microbiota, necessitating investigation in non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and liver fibrosis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To differentiate gut microbiota profiles across varying NAFLD severities.
- To evaluate the therapeutic effects of SJP on liver damage in NAFLD.
- To ascertain SJP's impact on the gut microbial community in NAFLD.
Main Methods:
- Induction of NAFLD mouse models with varying severity using high-fat diet (HFD) or choline-deficient, L-amino acid-defined high-fat diet (CDAHFD).
- Treatment of NAFLD mice with SJP or normal saline.
- Comprehensive analysis including biochemical assays, histological staining (H&E, Masson, Oil Red O), Western blotting, and 16S rRNA gene sequencing.
Main Results:
- Significant alterations in intestinal microbiota composition were observed in all NAFLD models.
- SJP treatment increased Pparγ expression and reduced hepatic lipid accumulation in NAFLD mice.
- SJP administration notably enhanced the abundance of beneficial bacteria, including Roseburia and Akkermansia, known for anti-inflammatory and gut barrier protective effects.
Conclusions:
- SJP effectively ameliorates lipid metabolism disturbances in NAFLD mouse models, particularly in SFL.
- The therapeutic benefits of SJP in NAFLD are potentially mediated through the modulation of intestinal microbiota.
- SJP demonstrates potential as a therapeutic agent for NAFLD by influencing gut microbial composition and function.
