Wangshi Baochi Pills alleviate alcoholic liver disease by regulating the gut microbiota composition in a mouse model

Introduction: Alcoholic liver disease (ALD) is a leading cause of liver-related morbidity and mortality worldwide. However, there are no currently available drugs for ALD. Wangshi Baochi Pill (WBP) is a is a national confidential formulary of China, commonly used in clinical pediatrics to treat dyspepsia. In this study, we measured the therapeutic effect of WBP on ALD. Methods: The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) mouse model was used in our study. Experiments were performed to determine whether the hepatoprotective effect of WBP was associated with gut microbiota using a mixture of antibiotics (ABx). Gut flora was detected via full-length 16S rRNA sequencing on the Pacbio Sequel platform. Q-PCR and western blot were used to test lipid metabolism related genes. Results: WBP significantly reduced AST and ALT levels and alleviated liver damage. It also elevated hepatic alcohol-metabolizing enzymes (alcohol dehydrogenase and cytochrome P4502E1) activity. WBP down-regulated the FASN, CPT1-α, and CD36 and up-regulated PPAR-α. Moreover, we found WBP could alleviate ethanol-induced intestinal injury and inflammation. Our results suggest WBP was effective in attenuating hepatic steatosis and injury via intestinal flora, likely by elevating probiotics (B. pseudolongum PV8–2) and decreasing harmful bacteria. Discussions: Our study first suggested the therapeutic effect of WBP on ALD and provides a new approach for the treatment of ALD.