Liver Lipidomics Analysis Revealed the Protective mechanism of Zuogui Jiangtang Qinggan Formula in type 2 diabetes mellitus with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease

Abstract

Ethnopharmacological relevanceHepatic steatosis, a hallmark of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), represents a significant global health issue. Liver lipidomics has garnered increased focus recently, highlighting Traditional Chinese Medicine's (TCM) role in mitigating such conditions through lipid metabolism regulation. The Zuogui Jiangtang Qinggan Formula (ZGJTQGF), a longstanding TCM regimen for treating Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) with NAFLD, lacks a definitive mechanism for its lipid metabolism regulatory effects. Aim of the studyThis research aims to elucidate ZGJTQGF's mechanism on lipid metabolism in T2DM with NAFLD. Materials and methodsThe study, utilized db/db mice to establish T2DM with NAFLD models. Evaluations included Hematoxylin-Eosin (HE) and Oil Red O stainedstaining of liver tissues, alongside biochemical lipid parameter analysis. Liver lipidomics and Western blotting further substantiated the findings, systematically uncovering the mechanism of action mechanism. ResultsZGJTQGF notably reduced body weight, and Fasting Blood Glucose (FBG), enhancing glucose tolerance in db/db mice. HE, and Oil Red O staining, complemented by biochemical and liver lipidomics analyses, confirmed ZGJTQGF's efficacy in ameliorating liver steatosis and lipid metabolism anomalies. Lipidomics identified 1571 significantly altered lipid species in the model group, primarily through the upregulation of triglycerides (TG) and diglycerides (DG), and the downregulation of phosphatidylcholine (PC) and phosphatidylethanolamine (PE). Post-ZGJTQGF treatment, 496 lipid species were modulated, with increased PC and PE levels and decreased TG and DG, showcasing significant lipid metabolism improvement in T2DM with NAFLD. Moreover, ZGJTQGF's influence on lipid synthesis-related proteins was observed, underscoring its anti-steatotic impact through liver lipidomic alterations and offering novel insights into hepatic steatosis pathogenesis. ConclusionsLiver lipidomics analysis combined with protein verification further demonstrated that ZGJTQGF could ameliorate the lipid disturbance of TG, DG, PC, PE in T2DM with NAFLD, as well as improve fatty acid and cholesterol synthesis and metabolism through De novo lipogenesis pathway.