The Nb₄C₃ MXenzyme Attenuates MASH by Scavenging ROS in a Mouse Model

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Nanomedicine
• Hepatology

Background:

• Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH) incidence is rising due to poor diet and sedentary lifestyles.
• MASH is characterized by lipid accumulation, oxidative stress, and inflammation, posing therapeutic challenges.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the potential of 2D niobium carbide (Nb4C3) MXene nanoenzymes (MXenzymes) for MASH therapy.
• To evaluate the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and biosafety properties of Nb4C3 MXenzymes in a MASH model.

Main Methods:

• Development of Nb4C3 MXene nanoenzymes.
• Administration of Nb4C3 to a methionine-choline-deficient diet (MCD)-induced murine MASH model.
• Assessment of lipid accumulation, oxidative stress (ROS), inflammation, and macrophage polarization.

Main Results:

• Nb4C3 MXenzymes demonstrated biosafety and antilipid peroxidation activity.
• Nb4C3 significantly reduced ROS and proinflammatory cytokine levels, inhibiting hepatocyte lipid accumulation and inflammation.
• Nb4C3 promoted M1 to M2 macrophage polarization by alleviating oxidative stress and inflammation.

Conclusions:

• Nb4C3 MXenzymes serve as multifunctional bioactive materials for MASH treatment.
• The robust antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities of Nb4C3 effectively alleviate hepatic steatosis and inflammation in MASH models.