Bicuculline ameliorates metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease by inhibiting the nuclear factor-kappa B pathway and reducing lipid accumulation
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: BACKGROUND Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) has emerged as a prominent and pervasive global health challenge. Bicuculline (BIC), which is a key active component of the anti-MASLD prescription "Eight Zhes Decoction", has been preliminarily shown by our research team to have significant potential in treating MASLD. AIM To determine BIC's efficacy in treating MASLD by regulating lipid metabolism and suppressing hepatic inflammation via nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) pathway, identifying it as a therapeutic candidate. METHODS This study explored the potential of BIC in preventing and treating MASLD using zebrafish, cellular (HepG2 and AML12), and mouse models. RESULTS Our results indicate that BIC significantly reduces lipid accumulation and inflammation both in vivo and in vitro . Transcriptomic analysis suggested that the anti-MASLD effects of BIC are linked to the inhibition of the NF-κB pathway, which plays a critical role in mitigating inflammation and lipid deposition. CONCLUSION This study is the first to demonstrate that BIC specifically alleviates lipid accumulation and hepatic steatosis in MASLD models via the NF-κB signaling pathway. Overall, BIC has emerged as a promising candidate for treating MASLD.
Authors: Xiao-Mei Wang, Ze Dai, Dai-Jun Lu, Chao-Qun Bao, Nai-Bin Yang, Yu-Ping Zhou
Institution: Ningbo University
Language: English
Subfield: Epidemiology
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
Awards: G2284492172, G4670907635
OpenAlex ID: W4409958005