Gut Microbiota Modulation by Polyphenols from Aronia melanocarpa of LPS-Induced Liver Diseases in Rats

Aronia melanocarpa polyphenols (AMPS) can alleviate the degree of liver diseases in rats. However, the mechanism by which this is achieved through gut microbiota modulation remains unclear. Here, a rich-polyphenol extract of A. melanocarpa (AMPs) was used to treat lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced liver diseases in rats. To gain insights into the anti-LPS-induced liver disease, liver function index, expression of apoptosis proteins, inflammatory factors, and activation of inflammatory signaling pathways were determined with western blot analysis, immunohistochemistry, and 16S rRNA sequencing or quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). After AMPs treatment, the gut microbiota composition was modulated, promoting the intestinal barrier function by increasing the expression of intestinal epithelial cell tight junction proteins to reduce the LPS content in serum. The expression levels of inflammatory factors interleukin 6 (IL-6), interleukin 1 beta (IL-1 beta), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha), and related mRNAs were reduced. These results showed that AMPs, as a bioactive substance, could enhance the intestinal barrier function and modulate the gut microbiota of LPS-induced liver diseases.