The protective effect of Ganoderma atrum polysaccharide on liver injury induced by acrylamide in rats based on proteomics and metabolomics analyses

Pre-laboratory studies demonstrate that polysaccharide from Ganoderma atrum (PSG-1) exerts a protective effect against acrylamide (AA)-induced liver injury in rats. However, the mechanism underlying PSG-1-mediated hepatoprotection remains unclear. Herein, we employed an integrated metabolomics and proteomics approach to elucidate the molecular mechanisms of AA-induced liver injury using an in vivo rat model. Consequently, our analysis revealed that two key metabolic pathways—namely, arachidonic acid metabolism and retinol metabolism—mediate the protective effects of PSG-1. Furthermore, Phenylalanyl-Threonine, L-cis-Cyclo (aspartylphenylalanyl), bilirubin, and palmitic amide could serve as potential biomarkers for AA-induced liver injury, and the hepatoprotective effects of PSG-1 were mediated via target proteins Cyp3a1, Cyp2c7, Alox15, and Adh6. These findings elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying PSG-1-mediated hepatoprotection and establish a framework for deciphering the therapeutic mechanisms by which functional foods counteract dietary toxicants.