Changes in liver lipidomics associated with sodium cholate-induced liver injury and its prevention by boiogito, a Japanese herbal medicine, in mice

Abstract

Aim Bile acids play a crucial role in the development of cholestatic liver disease by mediating parenchymal cell injury and inflammation in the liver. Bile acids can also modulate lipid metabolism, although their role in the pathogenesis of cholestatic liver diseases is mostly unknown. We examined the effects of boiogito (BOT), a Japanese herbal medicine, on liver injury and lipid profile in liver lipid fractions in a mouse model of sodium cholate (CA)-induced cholestasis. Methods Lipidomics was carried out to determine the fatty acid composition in liver triglycerides, cholesterol esters, and total phospholipids using gas–liquid chromatography. Results CA induced liver injury and differential changes in fatty acid profile in triglycerides, cholesterol esters, and total phospholipids in the liver. The co-administration of BOT and CA attenuated liver injury and the changes in fatty acid profile in the liver triglycerides but not those in the liver cholesterol esters and total phospholipids. Conclusion Lipidomics indicated a unique property of liver triglyceride fatty acids in association with the preventive effect of BOT against CA-induced liver injury in mice. BOT plays an important role in hepatic TG metabolism via the prevention of cholestasis.