Physicochemical characterization, lipid-metabolism effects and transcriptomics insights of perilla seed oil in...

Perilla seeds (Perilla frutescens seeds), which are derived from perilla (Perilla frutescens (L.) Britt.), are a traditional herb in East Asia, historically used to alleviate metabolic disorders, particularly to address "phlegm-dampness." In traditional medicine, phlegm-dampness is associated with metabolic imbalances, such as hyperlipidemia. Perilla seed oil,extracted from perilla seeds,is a valuable dietary supplement with lipid-lowering effects. However, the molecular mechanisms in which PSO exerts lipid-lowering effects remain largely unexplored.

To investigate the molecular mechanisms and bioactive ingredients of PSO for the treatment of hyperlipidemia.

Comprehensive techniques, including biochemical index detection, morphological examination, hepatic transcriptomics, serum metabolomics and Western blotting, the study explores the targets and pathways through which PSO improves lipid metabolism in high-fat diet rats.

Hepatic histology staining demonstrated concentration dependent reductions in lipid accumulation and inflammation. transcriptomics and pathway analyses revealed significant modulation of key genes (cyp1a1, cyp2b1, UGT1A3, pcdhga11, igfbp2, car1 and kifc1), and Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha (PPARα) and Cytochrome P450 Family 7 Subfamily A Member 1 (CYP7A1) protein associated with lipid-related pathways. ALA, and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs), ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) and taurine metabolites pathways were also significantly enriched.

PSO restored lipid metabolic balance, and activated the PPARα/CYP7A1 signaling pathway, highlighting its potential as a prevention and dietary intervention of hyperlipidemia-related diseases.