MDG, an Ophiopogon japonicus polysaccharide, inhibits non-alcoholic fatty liver disease by regulating the abundance of Akkermansia muciniphila

MDG, a polysaccharide derived from Ophiopogon japonicus, displays a protective effect against obesity and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). However, there is no definitive evidence proving the specific mechanism of MDG against NAFLD. The results showed MDG supplementation ameliorated lipid accumulation, liver steatosis, and chronic inflammation in high-fat diet-induced NAFLD mice. Besides, MDG increased the abundance and diversity of microbial communities in the gut. These effects were mediated by the colonization of fecal micro biota. Further investigation revealed that Akkermansia muciniphila levels correlated negatively with NAFLD development, and lipid metabolism-related signaling might be the key regulator. Our study suggested that MDG treatment could inhibit obesity and the NAFLD process by modulating lipid-related pathways via altering the structure and diversity of gut microbiota. In addition, Akkermansia miniciphila might be a promising candidate in future research into NAFLD.

Automated summary

MDG, derived from Ophiopogon japonicus, has a protective effect against obesity and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). This study found that MDG supplementation improved lipid accumulation, liver steatosis, and chronic inflammation in NAFLD mice induced by a high-fat diet. It also increased the abundance and diversity of gut microbial communities. The results suggest that MDG treatment can inhibit obesity and the NAFLD process by modulating lipid-related pathways and altering the structure and diversity of gut microbiota.