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This research evaluates the protective effects of Morchella esculenta polysaccharide on liver injury induced by lipopolysaccharide in mice.

March 1, 2026Open Access

Morchella esculenta Polysaccharide Alleviates Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Experimental Hepatitis in Mice

Key Points

This research evaluates the protective effects of Morchella esculenta polysaccharide on liver injury induced by lipopolysaccharide in mice.
Fifty Kunming mice were divided into control, LPS-treated, and MEP treatment groups with varying doses.
MEP was administered for 21 days, followed by LPS injections for seven days.
Biochemical indicators related to liver function and inflammatory cytokines were measured.
Histopathological changes were assessed using staining techniques.
Immunohistochemical staining was utilized to evaluate hepatic expression of specific proteins.
LPS caused significant liver injury with altered biochemical parameters and elevated inflammatory cytokines.
MEP-treated mice had improved liver function markers and reduced inflammation compared to LPS-only groups.
Histological analysis showed reduced hepatic damage in MEP-treated mice.
MEP administration increased the levels of protective proteins like PEDF and PNPLA2 in the liver.

Abstract

Objective This study aimed to evaluate the potential protective effects of Morchella esculenta polysaccharide (MEP) on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)–induced experimental hepatitis in mice. Methods Fifty Kunming mice were randomly assigned to five groups: control, LPS, and MEP treatment groups receiving high (800 mg/kg), medium (400 mg/kg), or low (200 mg/kg) doses. MEP was administered intragastrically for 21 consecutive days. From day 14, mice in the LPS and MEP-treated groups received intraperitoneal injections of LPS (4.0 mg/kg) for seven consecutive days, while control mice received normal saline. Serum liver function–related biochemical indicators, as well as levels of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-1β (IL-1β), were measured. Histopathological changes were evaluated by hematoxylin and eosin staining. Hepatic expression of pigment epithelium-derived factor (PEDF) and patatin-like phospholipase domain-containing 2 (PNPLA2) was assessed by immunohistochemical staining. Results LPS exposure resulted in evident hepatic injury, characterized by altered biochemical parameters, elevated inflammatory cytokine levels, and pronounced histopathological damage. MEP-treated mice exhibited higher serum albumin levels and lower levels of total bilirubin, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, γ-glutamyltransferase, total bile acid, TNF-α, IL-1β, and the AST/ALT ratio. Histological examination further demonstrated attenuation of hepatic pathological damage in MEP-treated mice. In addition, MEP administration was associated with increased hepatic immunoreactivity of PEDF and PNPLA2. Conclusion MEP administration ameliorated LPS-induced experimental hepatitis in mice and was associated with improved liver biochemical indicators, reduced inflammatory cytokine levels, and increased hepatic PEDF and PNPLA2 expression, suggesting its potential hepatoprotective effects in inflammatory liver injury.

Morchella esculenta Polysaccharide Alleviates Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Experimental Hepatitis in Mice

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