Chin brick tea inhibits obesity and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease in mice through inflammatory cytokine-related signaling pathways and entero-liver axis

Abstract Background/Objectives: The aim of this study was to reveal the effect of CBT on NAFLD and obesity and the mechanism of intestinal flora, and to explore the role of some bile acids; Methods: The effects of CBT on NAFLD and obesity were evaluated by histopathological and biochemical tests. Use non-targeted metabolomics to find key molecules and further explore molecular mechanisms. The effects of CBT on NAFLD and obesity were evaluated by histopathological and biochemical tests. Use non-targeted metabolomics to find key molecules and further explore molecular mechanisms; Results: In the pre-test, CBT significantly inhibited the weight gain of mice, and decreased the liver index and the expression levels of liver TG, IL-6, and IL-1β. In the post-transplantation experiment, the body weight, liver index, and liver TG, IL-6, and IL-1β levels of mice were significantly reduced after transplantation by bacteria. NAFLD increased the abundance of gut microbiota associated with obesity, such as firmicutes (75%) and Bacteroides. In addition, the reduction of some secondary bile acids also has a certain impact on NAFLD; Conclusions: CBT regulates TG, IL-6, IL-1β and related signaling pathways through intestinal flora, and has significant preventive and therapeutic effects on NAFLD and obesity. In addition, the synergistic effect of gut flora and bile acids contributes to the reduction of NAFLD and obesity. CBT may be a promising drug to treat NAFLD and obesity.