Ganoderma Sinense Soluble Dietary Fiber Alleviates Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease by Regulating Liver Metabolism

Abstract

Ganoderma sinense possesses a liver-protective effect. Increasing dietary fiber intake can prevent and manage the progression of chronic metabolic syndrome. However, the effects and mechanisms of Ganoderma sinense soluble dietary fiber (GSSDF) on nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) remain unclear. This study analyzed the physicochemical properties of GSSDF, investigated the effects of GSSDF on NAFLD models in vitro and in vivo, and elucidated the underlying molecular mechanisms focusing on hepatic metabolism. The results showed that GSSDF had a loose and porous surface structure and a typical polysaccharide functional group structure. At the same time, it demonstrated excellent water absorption, oil absorption, and swelling properties, which would contribute to reduced fat absorption. GSSDF inhibited liver lipid accumulation and enhanced antioxidant capacity in both in vivo and in vitro NAFLD models. Liver metabolomics analysis revealed that NAFLD was alleviated by the intervention of GSSDF in glycerophospholipid metabolism, which involved upregulating the expression of phosphorylated adenosine monophosphate activated protein kinase (P-AMPK), phosphorylated acetyl-CoA carboxylase (P-ACC), and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR), and downregulating the expression of fatty acid synthase (FASN). It was concluded that GSSDF improved lipid metabolism disorders to prevent NAFLD and obesity, which laid the foundation for developing its potential as a liver-protective dietary supplement for improving NAFLD.