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The Molecular Mechanism of Polysaccharides from Polygonatum cyrtonema Hua in Improving Hyperuricemia by Regulating Key Targets of Uric Acid Metabolism in Mice

Summary

This research demonstrates that a traditional Chinese medicinal plant called Polygonatum cyrtonema contains beneficial polysaccharides that can help lower high uric acid levels in the blood, which is a major cause of gout and kidney disease. The study found that these polysaccharides work by reducing the enzyme that produces uric acid and helping the kidneys excrete more of it, while also reducing inflammation. Importantly, this natural treatment protected kidney tissue better than the standard pharmaceutical drug allopurinol, suggesting it could be a safer long-term option for managing high uric acid levels.

Background

Hyperuricemia is a metabolic disorder characterized by elevated serum uric acid levels, which can lead to gout, chronic kidney disease, and cardiovascular complications. While chemical drugs effectively lower uric acid, they often cause significant side effects. Polygonatum cyrtonema Hua is a traditional medicinal plant with both edible and therapeutic properties, known for promoting kidney health and enhancing immune function.

Objective

To investigate the molecular mechanism by which polysaccharides from Polygonatum cyrtonema (PCPs) improve hyperuricemia in mice by regulating key targets of uric acid metabolism, including xanthine oxidase (XOD) and urate transporter 1 (URAT1).

Results

PCPs significantly reduced serum uric acid levels by 21.22-26.47% compared to the model group, comparable to allopurinol treatment. PCPs inhibited hepatic XOD activity, downregulated URAT1 expression by 51.5%, reduced inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6), and preserved renal histological integrity. Molecular docking revealed that galactose residues form more hydrogen bonds with both XOD and URAT1, exhibiting lower binding energy and stronger regulatory potential.

Conclusion

PCPs effectively improve hyperuricemia through multiple mechanisms: inhibiting XOD activity to reduce uric acid synthesis, downregulating URAT1 to enhance renal excretion, and exerting anti-inflammatory effects. The polysaccharide composition includes rhamnose, glucuronic acid, galacturonic acid, glucose, galactose, and arabinose, with galactose being the key active residue. This study establishes PCPs as a promising natural therapeutic agent for functional food development targeting hyperuricemia management.
  • Published in:Foods,
  • Study Type:Animal Study (In vivo and In silico),
  • Source: PMID: 41097564, DOI: 10.3390/foods14193396
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