Objectives: Long-term Western diet-induced non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) can lead to liver cirrhosis and NASH-associated hepatocellular carcinoma, which are end-stage liver diseases. Meanwhile, NASH is associated with mental burden and worsens as the disease progresses. Atractylodes Macrocephala Koidz (AMK) is one of the main ingredients of Shenling Baizhu San, and the effect of Polysaccharide from AMK ameliorates (PAMK), as an important medicinal ingredient of AMK, on NASH and associated anxiety/depression-like behaviors is still unclear. Methods: This study investigated the protective effect of PAMK on NASH and associated anxiety/depression-like behaviors through a Western diet-induced NASH mice model. Results: showed that PAMK decreased the concentrations of liver TC, TG, and serum AST and ALT, improving glucose tolerance, and reducing liver steatosis and fibrosis. Moreover, the expression of liver IL-6, IL-1β, TNF-α, IL-18 and MCP-1 could be reduced by PAMK significantly. Additionally, PAMK decreased anxiety/depression-like behaviors and expression of IL-6, IL-1β, TNF-α, and MCP-1 in the hippocampus. 16S rRNA gene sequencing revealed that PAMK diminished the Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio and abundance of Faecalibaculum_rodentium, and increased the abundance of Muribaculaceae. This might be related to gene abundance of Pentose, the glucuronate interconversions pathway and carbohydrate enzymes (GH1, GH4). Serum metabolomics suggested that PC (18:5e/2:0), PC (16:2e/2:0), Lysopc 20:4, PC (16:0/2:0), and LPC 19:0 upregulated significantly after PAMK intervention, together with the enrichment of carbon metabolism and Citrate cycle pathways specially. Conclusions: PAMK as a potential prebiotic ameliorated NASH and associated anxiety/depression-like behaviors in mice, probably by regulating Faecalibaculum_rodentium, carbohydrate enzymes and lipid metabolites.
Atractylodes macrocephala Koidz. (AMK) and its purified polysaccharide fraction (PAMK) are known for their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and hepatoprotective properties, showing potential benefits for poultry liver health. This study simulated hepatic oxidative stress in late-laying hens, a physiological stage characterized by increased metabolic demands and reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, without exogenous hepatotoxic agents. Hens were randomly assigned to three groups: control (basal diet), AMK (basal diet + 15 g/kg AMK), and PAMK (basal diet + 400 mg/kg PAMK). Both AMK and PAMK significantly reduced serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) activities compared to control. Notably, PAMK showed superior efficacy, decreasing malondialdehyde (MDA) levels by 35.29% vs. 32.87% in AMK, and more effectively increasing antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px). Histopathological analysis revealed better-preserved liver structure and less inflammatory infiltration in PAMK-fed hens. Mechanistically, both treatments upregulated Nrf2 and downstream antioxidant genes, with stronger activation observed in the PAMK group. In vitro, PAMK reduced H2O2-induced ROS accumulation and apoptosis in primary embryonic chicken hepatocytes, effects that were attenuated by the Nrf2 inhibitor ML385. In conclusion, PAMK exerts superior hepatoprotective effects compared to crude AMK by modulating the Nrf2 pathway, mitigating oxidative stress, apoptosis, and autophagy. Future research should evaluate PAMK's long-term safety, synergistic potential with other natural antioxidants, and cost-effectiveness in poultry production.
危险品化学品经营许可证（带存储）