Disrupted intestinal homeostasis exacerbates alcoholic liver disease (ALD) via the gut-liver axis. While our previous study has demonstrated peach gum polysaccharides (PGPs) alleviate ALD through antioxidant and lipid metabolism regulation, their protective effects on the intestinal barrier remain unexplored. Here, three polysaccharide fractions (PGP40, PGP60, PGP80) were extracted using stepwise ethanol precipitation. Structural characterization revealed that all fractions were β-pyranose-type arabinogalactans, with PGP80 possessing the lowest molecular weight and most potent scavenging activity against DPPH, ABTS, and •OH radicals. In Lieber-DeCarli diet-induced ALD mice, PGP80 supplementation significantly attenuated hepatic lipid accumulation and oxidative stress, and reduced levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Crucially, it restored intestinal barrier function by reducing intestinal permeability and enhancing tight junction proteins (ZO-1, Occludin). PGP80 concurrently modulated gut microbiota composition, suppressing detrimental taxa (Verrucomicrobia, Rikenella) while enriching short-chain fatty acid (SCFA)-producing genera (Dubosiella, Ligilactobacillus, Prevotellaceae UCG-001). The resulting increase in SCFAs enhanced intestinal epithelial barrier integrity, thereby decreasing systemic translocation of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and D-lactic acid. This cascade culminated in improved hepatic metabolic homeostasis and attenuated inflammation, potentially involving the gut-liver axis. Our findings suggest that PGP80 ameliorate ALD, at least partially through gut-liver axis modulation, thereby broadening the application value of peach gum.
Cao et al. (2026) studied this question.