Affiliation:
1. School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, South-Central Minzu University, Wuhan 430074, China
2. Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Hubei Province), Wuhan 430079, China
3. College of Life Sciences, South-Central Minzu University, Wuhan 430074, China
4. Science and Technology Cooperation Base for Evaluation and Utilization of Traditional Medical Resources, South-Central Minzu University, Wuhan 430074, China
Abstract
Background: Lipid metabolism disorder appears to be one of the early features of alcoholic liver disease (ALD), which can be speculated via omics analysis including liver transcriptomics and gut microbiota. A complex consisting of the roots of Pueraria lobata and dried fruits of Prunus mume (PPC), which possesses hepatoprotective effects, could serve as a drug or functional food. The lack of non-polysaccharide compounds in PPC with their moderation effects on gut microbiota suggests the necessity for a relevant study. Methods: Six groups of Kunming mice (control, Baijiu injury, silybin, low, medium, and high) were modelled by gavage with Baijiu (for 14 days) and PPC (equivalent to a maximum dose of 9 g/kg in humans). The liver transcriptome data were analyzed to predict gene annotation, followed by the verification of gut microbiota, serum, tissue staining, immunohistochemistry, and Western blotting. Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry was used to detect the components. Results: PPC normalized serum ALT (40 U/L), down-regulated TLR4-NF-κB signaling pathway to inhibit the release of TNF-α (90 pg/mL), improved the expression of occludin, claudin-4, and ZO-1, and restored the abundance of Muribaculaceae, Bacteroides and Streptococcus. Conclusion: PPC can alleviate ALD by regulating the gut microbiota with an anti-inflammatory and intestinal barrier, and has an application value in developing functional foods.
Funder
Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities of “South-Central Minzu University”
Hubei Science, Technology Planning Project
Academic Innovation Teams of South-Central Minzu University
Modern Transmission and Innovation Research Team of Traditional Chinese Medicine, South-Central Minzu University