Protective Effects of Graptopetalum paraguayense E. Walther against Methylglyoxal-Induced Liver Damage and Microflora Imbalances Caused by High-Fructose Induction

Abstract

Methylglyoxal (MG) is a highly reactive dicarbonyl aldehyde and a major precursor of advanced glycation end products that result in oxidative stress. Graptopetalum paraguayense E. Walther (WGP) is a herbal medicine of Taiwan with the hepatoprotective property. The aim of this study was to investigate the protective effects of the water extract of WGP on MG-induced liver damage in a rat model. The results showed that WGP lowered the total cholesterol level and the low-density lipoprotein cholesterol level. WGP could help normalize the MG level. The amelioration of inflammatory factors such as transformation growth factor-β1 was observed in the WGP treatment group. In another animal model, a high-fructose diet (HFD) was used to induce intestinal dysfunction in C57BL/6 mice. The results indicated that the HFD induction resulted in intestinal dysbiosis, including inflammation, microflora imbalances, and reductions in tight-junction proteins. However, both WGP and its active compound gallic acid could improve intestine function. According to the above, WGP can improve hyperlipidemia in the liver, inhibit inflammatory cytokine production, and regulate intestinal flora in mice, as well as enhance the intestinal barrier. These findings provide a basis for the development of health products.