Inonotus hispidus Protects against Hyperlipidemia by Inhibiting Oxidative Stress and Inflammation through Nrf2/NF-κB Signaling in High Fat Diet Fed Mice

Summary

Inonotus hispidus is an edible mushroom that may help treat obesity and high cholesterol by reducing fat levels and inflammation in the body. In mice fed a high-fat diet, the mushroom improved cholesterol profiles, reduced liver damage, and promoted beneficial gut bacteria. The beneficial effects appear to work through activating the body’s natural antioxidant defenses and reducing inflammation-causing proteins.

Background

Obesity is frequently associated with dysregulated lipid metabolism and lipotoxicity. Inonotus hispidus is an edible and medicinal parasitic mushroom with potential therapeutic properties. The specific hypolipidemic effects of IH in diet-induced obesity have not been systematically investigated.

Objective

This study aimed to investigate the regulatory effects of Inonotus hispidus on lipid metabolism in mice fed a high-fat diet through analysis of nutritional ingredients, gut microbiota, and lipid metabolomic profiles. The research focused on understanding the role of the Nrf2/NF-κB signaling pathway in mediating these effects.

Results

IH treatment significantly decreased LDL-C, total cholesterol, triglycerides, and leptin levels while increasing HDL-C in HFD-fed mice. IH ameliorated liver damage, reduced inflammatory markers, and modulated gut microbiota composition by increasing beneficial bacteria like Allobaculum, Dorea, and Oscillospira. Western blotting confirmed IH regulated the Nrf2/NF-κB signaling pathway and reduced oxidative stress markers ROS and MDA.

Conclusion

Inonotus hispidus protects against hyperlipidemia and obesity through modulation of lipid metabolism via the Nrf2/NF-κB signaling pathway, which is closely related to oxidative stress and inflammatory responses. The study provides experimental evidence for the applicability of IH in obesity treatment and supports its potential commercial application as a hypolipidemic agent.
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