Moslae Herba extract alleviates hyperuricemia by regulating uric acid metabolism and relieving renal inflammation and fibrosis in mice

Abstract

Background

Hyperuricemia (HUA) is a metabolic disease caused by uric acid metabolism disorder and is prevalent worldwide. Moslae Herba is a traditional herbal medicine known for its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and diuretic effects.

Purpose

This study aimed to investigate the effects and potential mechanisms of Moslae Herba extract (MHE) on alleviating HUA in mice.

Methods

The ingredients of MHE were analyzed using UHPLC-QE-MS/MS. The HUA mouse model was established by potassium oxonate (PO) and hypoxanthine (HX) to evaluate the anti-HUA effect of MHE. Molecular docking, in vitro enzyme inhibition assays and microscale thermophoresis (MST) were performed to assess the inhibitory effects of ingredients on xanthine oxidase (XOD). Targets and signaling pathways regulated by MHE were predicted through network pharmacology analysis. Fecal 16S rRNA gene sequencing was used to analyze alterations in gut microbiota.

Results

14 ingredients of MHE were identified using UHPLC-QE-MS/MS. MHE effectively alleviated HUA in mice induced by PO and HX. Mechanistically, MHE dually regulated XOD and ATP-binding cassette subfamily G member 2 (ABCG2) to decrease synthesis and promote intestinal and renal excretion of uric acid. Network pharmacology analysis and protein-level validation indicated that MHE relieved HUA-induced renal inflammation and fibrosis by suppressing the NLRP3 inflammasome and JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway. 16S rRNA gene sequencing results suggested that MHE might further alleviate HUA and maintain intestinal homeostasis by modulating the gut microbiota.

Conclusion

This study is the first to demonstrate that MHE exerts anti-HUA effects through multiple mechanisms, providing novel insights for the phytotherapeutic management of HUA.