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Passion Fruit Seed Extract Attenuates Hepatic Steatosis in Oleic Acid-Treated HepG2 Cells through Modulation of
Furoida Moolsup1, Wiwit Suttithumsatid2,3, Wanwipha Woonnoi4
1Laboratory Animal Service Center, Faculty of Science, Prince of Songkla University, Songkhla, Thailand.
Abstract:
Hepatic steatosis, commonly referred to as fatty liver disease, is defined by the abnormal buildup of fat within liver cells. Currently, primary treatments mainly focus on lifestyle changes, underscoring a lack of direct pharmacological options. Passion fruit seed extract (PFSE) has been reported to decrease hepatosteatosis; however, the mechanism underlying this effect has not been clarified. Therefore, the objective of this research was to investigate the effects and mechanisms of action of PFSE against oleic acid (OA)-induced hepatosteatosis in HepG2 cells. OA-induced HepG2 cells were analyzed by using various cell-based experiments, including assessments of cytotoxicity, reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, apoptosis, and protein and gene expression. LC-MS-MS analysis showed that PFSE contains a variety of phytochemical compounds such as alkaloids, flavonoids, stilbenoids, coumarins, terpenoids, lipids, and fatty acid derivatives, which have the potential to exhibit various pharmacological activities. In this study, PFSE demonstrated antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and lipid metabolism-regulating activities. It also influenced key genes related to lipid metabolism, including SREBP-1c, ACC, FASN, PPARα, CPT-1A, LPL, SCD1, and LDLR. The positive effects of PFSE on OA-induced hepatic steatosis in HepG2 cells were modulated through the Akt and ERK signaling pathways, suggesting that PFSE may offer a comprehensive approach to managing hepatic steatosis.
Insights
Passion fruit seed extract (PFSE) shows promise in combating fatty liver disease by reducing fat accumulation in liver cells. This extract demonstrates antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and lipid-regulating effects, offering a potential new avenue for treatment.
Area of Science:
- Hepatology
- Pharmacology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Hepatic steatosis (fatty liver disease) involves excessive fat buildup in liver cells.
- Current treatments primarily rely on lifestyle modifications, lacking direct pharmacological interventions.
- Passion fruit seed extract (PFSE) has shown potential in reducing hepatosteatosis, but its mechanism remains unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of PFSE on oleic acid (OA)-induced hepatosteatosis in HepG2 cells.
- To elucidate the underlying mechanisms of PFSE's action against fatty liver disease.
- To analyze the phytochemical composition of PFSE and its pharmacological potential.
Main Methods:
- HepG2 cells were treated with oleic acid to induce steatosis.
- Assessed cytotoxicity, reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, and apoptosis.
- Analyzed protein and gene expression, including key lipid metabolism regulators, using LC-MS-MS and cell-based assays.
Main Results:
- PFSE contains diverse phytochemicals with potential pharmacological activities.
- PFSE exhibited antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and lipid metabolism-regulating properties.
- PFSE modulated key genes (SREBP-1c, ACC, FASN, PPARα, CPT-1A, LPL, SCD1, LDLR) and influenced Akt/ERK signaling pathways.
Conclusions:
- PFSE effectively alleviates OA-induced hepatic steatosis in HepG2 cells.
- The protective effects are mediated by antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and lipid-regulating mechanisms.
- PFSE represents a potential therapeutic agent for managing fatty liver disease via Akt and ERK pathways.
