Morroniside Delays NAFLD Progression in Fructose-Fed Mice by Normalizing Lipid Metabolism and Inhibiting the Inflammatory Response

Chronic fructose consumption is becoming one leading risk factor for NAFLD due to its hazard on cellular lipid metabolism, which plays an essential role in the pathogenesis of NAFLD. Morroniside, an iridoid glycoside from Cornus officinalis, has been suggested to have potent in regulating cellular glucolipid metabolism. However, the effect and mechanism of morroniside on improving fructose-induced hepatic steatosis and retarding NAFLD progression remain ambiguous. In this study, we illustrate the efficacy of morroniside in alleviating fructose-triggered hepatic steatosis in mice. Mechanically, morroniside suppressed de novo lipogenesis and promoted beta-oxidation by inhibiting the activation of PGC1 beta. Additionally, morroniside was found to work in attenuating hepatic inflammation in response to long-term fructose intake. Taken together, the current study reveals that morroniside is a promising food and medicinal therapy for NAFLD treatment and is effective in delaying the progression of NAFLD to NASH, especially in subtypes caused by excessive carbohydrate intake.