Ampelopsis Grossedentata Flavonoids Alleviate Hepatic Damage Through Remodeling Intestinal Microflora and Reducing...

To investigate the antioxidant effects and underlying mechanisms of Ampelopsis grossedentata flavonoids (AGF) in rats fed a high-fat diet. In this study, we established a basal diet group, a high-fat diet group, a high-fat diet combined with Xuezhikang group, and high-fat diet groups supplemented with low, medium, and high doses of AGF. After 7 weeks of feeding, relevant physiological antioxidant indicators and the antioxidant effects mediated by gut microbiota were measured. The results demonstrated that: (1) AGF significantly increased the gene expression, protein levels, and enzymatic activity of CAT and SOD in the livers of rats fed a high-fat diet, thereby increasing the total antioxidant capacity and reducing power in serum. (2) Simultaneously, AGF demonstrated strong free radical (DPPH, hydroxyl, superoxide anion, and ABTS) scavenging capacity, accompanied by a reduction in hydrogen peroxide content and anti-lipid peroxidation activity. (3) Furthermore, AGF significantly decreased the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, IL-1β, TNF-α) in the livers of high-fat diet-fed rats. (4) Additionally, flavonoids enriched the diversity of gut microbiota, optimized microbial structure, and increased the abundance of beneficial microbes (such as Akkermansia, Lactobacillus, Blautia, norank_f__Eubacterium_coprostanoligenes_group, Enterorhabdus, Butyricicoccus, and Clostridium_innocuum_group), which showed positive correlations with antioxidant-related physiological parameters. In conclusion, AGF significantly alleviated high-fat diet-induced oxidative stress and liver injury in rats, providing a theoretical foundation for developing H-AGF as a functional ingredient for use in functional foods, pharmaceuticals, and skincare products.