Astragalin protects the liver from oxidative damage by modulating the lnc XIST/miR-155-5p/Nrf2 axis

Abstract

Astragalin (AG), a natural flavonoid present in white mulberry and plants belonging to Rosaceae and other families, has various biological functions. However, the potential mechanism through which it protects the liver from injury caused by oxidative stress has not yet been reported. In this study, we aimed to elucidate the mechanism underlying the hepatoprotective effect of AG. We found that AG treatment inhibited the oxidative stress caused by H2O2 and promoted Nrf2 nuclear translocation in an LO2 cell model. Furthermore, the expression of Nrf2 and its downstream antioxidant genes was increased. In the C57BL/6J mouse model, we found AG treatment prevented alcohol-induced acute liver injury in mice by reducing lipid peroxidation and enhancing antioxidant activity. Consistent with in vitro results, we observed elevated expression of Nrf2 and its downstream antioxidant genes in mouse liver tissues. To further explore the underlying mechanisms, bioinformatics analysis was used to detect miRNAs and lnc RNAs that regulate the expression of Nrf2. Our findings suggest that AG may protect the liver from damage caused by oxidative stress by modulating the lnc XIST/miR-155-5p/Nrf2 axis.

Keywords

• Astragalin
• Antioxidant
• Nrf2
• Hepatocyte protection