Conclusions
This study provides the first evidence that SNS maintains liver oxidative equilibrium and glucose/lipid metabolism homeostasis by upregulating AQP9 expression in hepatocytes, thereby promoting liver regeneration. These findings offer novel insights into the molecular pharmacological mechanisms of SNS in promoting liver regeneration and provide guidance for its clinical application and optimization in liver disease treatment.
Methods
A mouse model of 70% partial hepatectomy (PHx) was used to analyze the effects of SNS on liver regeneration. Aquaporin-9 knockout mice (AQP9-/-) were used to demonstrate that SNS-mediated enhancement of liver regeneration was AQP9-targeted. A tandem dimer-Tomato-tagged AQP9 transgenic mouse line (AQP9-RFP) was utilized to determine the expression pattern of AQP9 protein in hepatocytes. Immunoblotting, quantitative real-time PCR, staining techniques, and biochemical assays were used to further explore the underlying mechanisms of SNS.
Results
SNS treatment significantly enhanced liver regeneration and increased AQP9 protein expression in hepatocytes of wild-type mice (AQP9+/+) post 70% PHx, but had no significant effects on AQP9-/- mice. Following 70% PHx, SNS helped maintain hepatic oxidative equilibrium by increasing the levels of reactive oxygen species scavengers glutathione and superoxide dismutase and reducing the levels of oxidative stress molecules H2O2 and malondialdehyde in liver tissues, thereby preserving this crucial process for hepatocyte proliferation. Simultaneously, SNS augmented glycerol uptake by hepatocytes, stimulated gluconeogenesis, and maintained glucose/lipid metabolism homeostasis, ensuring the energy supply required for liver regeneration. Conclusions: This study provides the first evidence that SNS maintains liver oxidative equilibrium and glucose/lipid metabolism homeostasis by upregulating AQP9 expression in hepatocytes, thereby promoting liver regeneration. These findings offer novel insights into the molecular pharmacological mechanisms of SNS in promoting liver regeneration and provide guidance for its clinical application and optimization in liver disease treatment.