Treatment with ginseng flower buds extract prevents hepatic steatosis by ameliorating hepatic inflammation and insulin resistance
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ABSTRACT: Background: Ginseng flower bud (GFB) is a part of ginseng with high content of ginsenosides, the known active components of ginseng. While the scientific data for the pharmacological activity of ginseng roots are accumulating, the therapeutic potential of GFB have been neglected. The current study aimed to examine the therapeutic effect of GFB on hepatic steatosis and to elucidate the underlying mechanisms. Methods: HepG2 cells treated with free fatty acids mixture and hepatocytes isolated from rats after 3 weeks of HFD feeding were used as in vitro models of hepatic steatosis for evaluation of anti-steatotic effect of GFB. The effect of GFB was further investigated in pathological conditions of hepatic steatosis induced by 12 weeks of HFD feeding in C57BL/6J mice. We performed systematical analyses on hepatic gene expression profiles in GFB treated mice. The effect of GFB on the expression profile of selected genes was validated by quantitative PCR. Results: GFB treatment markedly reduced oil red O stained lipid droplets and intracellular triglyceride levels in HepG2 cells and rat hepatocytes. In HFD-fed mice, GFB (500 mg/kg) treatment markedly reduced histological signs of hepatic steatosis and decreased hepatic triglyceride content by 34.1% compared to those of HFD. These changes by GFB treatment were accompanied by improved insulin signaling. Global gene expression analysis revealed that hepatic gene expression in the steatotic liver was reversed by GFB treatment, and the GFB-regulated genes are involved in immune process, insulin response and lipid storage. Conclusion: These findings provide a substantial evidence for the medicinal use of GFB in prevention or treatment of NAFLD through suppression of hepatic inflammation and fatty acid uptake while sensitizing hepatic insulin signaling
ORGANISM(S): Mus musculus
PROVIDER: GSE142059 | GEO | 2021/01/01
REPOSITORIES: GEO
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