Abstract
Background
Since non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) pathogenesis is multi-factorial, pharmacotherapy with a specific target commonly exhibits limited efficacy. Phytotherapy, whose therapeutic efficacy is based on the combined action of several active compounds, offers new treatment opportunity for NAFLD. As a representative, many natural polyphenols could be utilized in phytotherapy for NAFLD.
Purpose
In present work, we aimed to investigate the therapeutic effects and underlying mechanism of polyphenols in blueberry leaves (PBL) on NAFLD from a mitochondria-centric perspective since mitochondrial dysfunction could play a dominant role in NAFLD.
Methods
Identification and quantification of PBL were performed using liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry. The beneficial effects, especially improving mitochondrial function, and potential mechanism of PBL on NAFLD were studied by
in vitro
and
in vivo
study.
Results
Polyphenols were abundant in blueberry leaves making it advantaged in NAFLD phytotherapy. PBL effectively alleviated hepatic steatosis, oxidative stress and inflammation as indicated by both
in vitro
and
in vivo
study. Furthermore, PBL mediated improvement of mitochondrial dysfunction and antioxidant capability through activation of AMPK/PGC-1α/SIRT3 signaling axis.
Conclusion
Considering that mitochondrial dysfunction takes precedence over hepatic steatosis and induces NAFLD development, we conclude that PBL improve mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative defense, subsequently alleviate hepatic steatosis, oxidative stress and inflammation, and eventually alleviate NAFLD.
Graphical abstract
