Protective effects of Camphora kanahirae leaves on gut microbiota and short-chain fatty acid metabolism in the mouse model of alcoholic liver disease

Abstract:

Objective To investigate the mechanism by which Camphora kanahirae leaves alleviate alcoholic liver disease through the regulation of the gut microbiota-short-chain fatty acid-intestinal barrier pathway.Methods Sixty mice were randomly allocated into six groups [normal, model, silymarin (100 mg/kg), and low-, medium-, and high-dose (100, 200, and 400 mg/kg, respectively) C. kanahirae leaves], with 10 mice in each group. After 14 consecutive days of administration, a mouse model of alcoholic liver disease was established. The liver index, alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate transferase (AST) levels, colon histopathological changes, short-chain fatty acid content, and alterations in gut microbiota structure were measured.Results Compared with the model group, medium- and high-dose C. kanahirae leaves reduced ALT and AST levels (P<0.05). Pathological evaluation showed that C. kanahirae leaves at all doses alleviated alcohol-induced colon mucosal damage and inflammatory cell infiltration to varying degrees. Alcohol damage resulted in decreases in levels of short-chain fatty acids, such as acetic acid, propionic acid, butyric acid, and valeric acid (P<0.05). C. kanahirae leaves promoted the proliferation of beneficial bacteria, increased short-chain fatty acid levels, and enhanced intestinal barrier function. Furthermore, 16S rRNA gene analysis of the gut microbiota indicated that alcohol intake led to dysbiosis, and C. kanahirae leaves effectively reversed this microbial imbalance, restoring the composition and diversity of the gut microbiota.Conclusion C. kanahirae leaves exert hepatoprotective effects by regulating the gut microbiota balance, promoting short-chain fatty acid production, and maintaining intestinal barrier integrity.