Flavonoid-Rich mulberry leaf extract modulate lipid metabolism, antioxidant capacity, and gut microbiota in high-fat diet-induced obesity: potential roles of FGF21 and SOCS2

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most prevalent chronic liver disease in clinical practice. This study examined the effects of mulberry leaf aqueous extract (MLQE) on lipid metabolism and gut microbiota in mice with high-fat diet-induced NAFLD. Using network pharmacology, we identified key targets of mulberry leaf and stem’s constituents for NAFLD regulation and validated their ameliorative effects through animal experiments. Our results demonstrated that interventions with orlistat (HFO), swimming exercise (HFS), and MLQE (HFM) significantly reduced weight gain, lipid accumulation, and oxidative stress in mace compared to the high-fat control (HFC) group. Histopathological analysis revealed improvements in liver steatosis, hepatocyte arrangement, inflammation, and adipocyte deformation. Molecular analyses indicated decreased mRNA levels of lipid synthesis genes (sterol regulatory element-binding protein 1 (<i>SREBP1</i>), bile salt export pump (<i>BSEP</i>), small heterodimer partner (<i>SHP</i>), and stearoyl-CoA desaturase-1 (<i>SCD1</i>)) and increased protein levels of farnesoid X receptor (<i>FXR</i>) and <i>SHP</i> in the intervention groups, consistent with RNA-seq findings. Additionally, RNA-seq analysis showed upregulation of fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) and suppressor of cytokine signaling 2 (SOCS2), aligning with protein level observations. The interventions also modulated gut microbiota composition, reducing the Firmicutes-to-Bacteroidetes (F/B) ratio and adjusting the abundance of <i>Acetatifactor</i>, <i>Roseburia</i>, and <i>Parasutterella</i>. These findings suggest MLQE as a promising therapeutic approach for NAFLD, with lipid-lowering, antioxidative, and gut microbiota-regulating effects. FGF21 and SOCS2 may be key targets in NAFLD treatment.