Structural characterization and therapeutic effect of Alhagi honey oligosaccharide on liver fibrosis in mice

Zhiyuan Lv; Jianzhong Song; Yang Xiang; Zhanghao Chen; Zinan Lu; Quanqian Zhou; Kaizhen Wang; Hailiqian Taoer Dahong; Jiarui Zheng; Chunyu Zhang; Shuang Gao; Chunjun Qin; Junmin Chang

doi:10.1016/j.fitote.2024.105974

Structural characterization and therapeutic effect of Alhagi honey oligosaccharide on liver fibrosis in mice

Fitoterapia. 2024 Apr 24:175:105974. doi: 10.1016/j.fitote.2024.105974. Online ahead of print.

Authors

Zhiyuan Lv¹, Jianzhong Song², Yang Xiang³, Zhanghao Chen¹, Zinan Lu⁴, Quanqian Zhou¹, Kaizhen Wang⁵, Hailiqian Taoer Dahong¹, Jiarui Zheng⁶, Chunyu Zhang⁷, Shuang Gao¹, Chunjun Qin⁸, Junmin Chang⁹

Affiliations

¹ The Xinjiang Key Laboratory of Natural Medicine Active Components and Drug Release Technology, College of Pharmacy, Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, Xinjiang 830011, China.
² The Xinjiang Key Laboratory of Natural Medicine Active Components and Drug Release Technology, College of Pharmacy, Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, Xinjiang 830011, China; Department of Pharmacy, Affiliated Tumor Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, Xinjiang 830011, China.
³ The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, China.
⁴ Key Laboratory of Cancer Immunotherapy and Radiotherapy, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, The Affiliated Tumor Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, Xinjiang 830011, China.
⁵ College of Engineering, China Pharmaceutical University, China.
⁶ Key Laboratory of Carbohydrate Chemistry and Biotechnology, Ministry of Education, School of Biotechnology, Jiangnan University, Lihu Avenue 1800, Wuxi 214122, China.
⁷ College of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, China.
⁸ Key Laboratory of Carbohydrate Chemistry and Biotechnology, Ministry of Education, School of Biotechnology, Jiangnan University, Lihu Avenue 1800, Wuxi 214122, China. Electronic address: chunjun.qin@jiangnan.edu.cn.
⁹ The Xinjiang Key Laboratory of Natural Medicine Active Components and Drug Release Technology, College of Pharmacy, Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, Xinjiang 830011, China. Electronic address: cjmcjn2471@xjmu.edu.cn.

PMID: 38663563
DOI: 10.1016/j.fitote.2024.105974

Abstract

Alhagi honey is derived from the secretory granules of Alhagi pseudoalhagi Desv., a leguminous plant commonly known as camelthorn. Modern medical research has demonstrated that the extract of Alhagi honey possesses regulatory properties for the gastrointestinal tract and immune system, as well as exerts anti-tumor, anti-oxidative, anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, and hepatoprotective effects. The aim of this study was to isolate and purify oligosaccharide monomers (referred to as Mel) from camelthorn and elucidate their structural characteristics. Subsequently, the impact of Mel on liver injury induced by carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄) in mice was investigated. The analysis identified the isolated oligosaccharide monomer (α-D-Glcp-(1 → 3)-β-D-Fruf-(2 → 1)-α-D-Glcp), with the molecular formula C₁₈H₃₂O₁₆. In a mouse model of CCl₄-induced liver fibrosis, Mel demonstrated significant therapeutic effects by attenuating the development of fibrosis. Moreover, it enhanced anti-oxidant enzyme activity (glutathione peroxidase and superoxide dismutase) in liver tissues, thereby reducing oxidative stress markers (malondialdehyde and reactive oxygen species). Mel also improved serum albumin levels, lowered liver enzyme activities (aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase), and decreased inflammatory factors (tumor necrosis factor-alpha, interleukin-1 beta, and interleukin-6). Immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence, and western blotting analyses confirmed the ability of Mel to downregulate hepatic stellate cell-specific markers (collagen type I alpha 1 chain, alpha-smooth muscle actin, transforming growth factor-beta 1. Non-targeted metabolomics analysis revealed the influence of Mel on metabolic pathways related to glutathione, niacin, pyrimidine, butyric acid, and amino acids. In conclusion, the results of our study highlight the promising potential of Mel, derived from Alhagi honey, as a viable candidate drug for treating liver fibrosis. This discovery offers a potentially advantageous option for individuals seeking natural and effective means to promote liver health.

Keywords: Alhagi honey; Liver fibrosis; Metabolomics; Oligosaccharide.