Hepatoprotective Effect of Jianpi Huoxue Formula on Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease Induced by Methionine-Choline-Deficient Diet in Rat

Abstract

In parallel with the prevalence metabolic syndrome, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has become the most common chronic liver disease in most countries. It features a constellation of simple steatosis, nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), fibrosis, cirrhosis, and even hepatocellular carcinoma. There are no approved drugs for effective management of NAFLD and NASH. Jianpi Huoxue formula (JPHX) mainly consists of Atractylodes macrocephal (Baizhu), Salvia miltiorrhiza (Danshen), Rasux Paeonia Alba (Baishao), Rhizoma Alismatis (Zexie), and Fructus Schisandrae Chinensis (Wuweizi), which may have beneficial effects on NAFLD. The aim of the study was to identify the effect of JPHX on NAFLD. A NAFLD model was induced by methionine-choline-deficient food (MCD) in Wistar rats and orally administered with simultaneous JPHX, once a day for 8 weeks. Hepatocellular injury, lipid profile, inflammation, fibrosis, and apoptosis were evaluated. The results showed that JPHX significantly decreased the abnormal serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels compared with the MCD model (P<0.05). Furthermore, JPHX protected MCD diet-fed rats from accumulation of hepatic triglycerides (TG) and total cholesterol (TC). Histological examination demonstrated that JPHX noticeably normalized the NAFLD activity score (NAS). Moreover, JPHX ameliorated liver inflammation by decreasing TNF-α levels and reduced collagen and matrix metalloproteinases in MCD diet-fed rats. In addition, JPHX prevented rats from MCD-induced cellular apoptosis, as suggested by TUNEL staining, and suppressed the activation of caspase 3 and 7 proteins. JPHX also inhibited the phosphorylation of JNK. In conclusion, JPHX exhibited a hepatoprotective effect against NAFLD in an MCD experimental model.

Jiangzhi Ligan Decoction Inhibits GSDMD-Mediated Canonical/Noncanonical Pyroptosis Pathways and Alleviates High-Fat Diet-Induced Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease

“…In traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) theory, the pathogenesis of NAFLD includes spleen vacuity, liver stagnation, and phlegm-damp obstruction [ 17 ]. TCM is effective in treating NAFLD, but there are few related studies.…”

Herbal therapy for ameliorating nonalcoholic fatty liver disease via rebuilding the intestinal microecology

“…Herbal medicines in this prescription have anti-obesity and liver protection functions; moreover, the active ingredients in both Salvia miltiorrhiza and turmeric revealed scavenging activities and inhibition against lipid peroxidation [103][104][105]. Studies have disclosed that the positive liver-protective effects of Jianpi Huoxue Decoction are closely related to its ability to regulate intestinal flora imbalance and reduce endotoxin production [106,107]. Jianpi Huoxue Decoction treatment alleviated pathological damage to liver tissue and decreased the content of TG in the liver, activity of serum ALT and content of TNF-α in portal plasma.…”

Overview of Salvia miltiorrhiza as a Potential Therapeutic Agent for Various Diseases: An Update on Efficacy and Mechanisms of Action

“…In addition, it increased the mRNA expression of lipolytic molecules (AMP-activated protein kinase [AMPK] and acyl-CoA dehydrogenase long chain [ACADL]) and the protein expression of p-AMPK, whereas it decreased the mRNA expression of lipogenic molecules including 3-hydroxy-3-methyl-glutaryl-coenzyme A reductase [HMGCR] and the protein expression of phosphorylated sterol regulatory element-binding protein 1 (SREBP-1). According to Feng et al, Jianpi Huoxue formula (JPHX) composed of Atractylodes macrocephal , S. miltiorrhiza , Radix Paeonia alba , Rhizoma alismatis , and Fructus Schisandrae chinensis had beneficial effects on nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) by regulating lipid accumulation, inflammation, fibrosis, and apoptosis [ 75 ]. In vivo administration of JPHX at doses of 0.6, 1.21, or 2.42 g/kg once a day for 8 weeks ameliorated hepatic injury and inflammation, as shown by the decreased AST and ALT levels and TNF-α expression, and inhibited the accumulation of hepatic triglycerides (TG) and total cholesterol (TC) in MCD diet-fed rats.…”