Abstract:
Objective: To investigate the hepatoprotective effects of bioactive peptides on acute alcoholic liver injury in mice, examine their effects on the intestinal microbiota, and elucidate the underlying mechanisms of their protective action. Methods: A mouse model of acute alcohol-induced liver injury was established, and three formulations of bioactive peptide composite beverages—liquid, solid, and concentrated forms—were administered. The levels of alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH), acetaldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH), tumor necrosis factor-
α (TNF-
α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione (GSH) were assessed, along with serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), total cholesterol (TC), and triglycerides (TG). Histopathological examination of liver tissue was performed, and alterations in the intestinal microbiota were analyzed. Results: Compared with the model group, all three formulations of bioactive peptide composite beverages significantly attenuated alcohol-induced hepatic injury, as evidenced by reductions in ALT, AST, TG, and TC levels in mice (
P<0.05). Furthermore, the treatment groups exhibited significant decreases in hepatic TNF-
α, IL-6, and MDA levels (
P<0.05), along with enhanced SOD, CAT, and GSH activity (
P<0.05). Histological analysis revealed that bioactive peptide composite beverages markedly alleviated alcohol-induced hepatic steatosis and inflammatory infiltration. Additionally, intestinal microbiota analysis indicated that alcoholic liver injury was associated with alterations in microbial composition, whereas bioactive peptide treatment enhanced microbial diversity and richness, suggesting a regulatory effect on the gut-liver axis. Conclusion: The three different dosage forms of active peptide compound drinks have certain protective effects on alcoholic liver injury. The mechanism may be related to improving lipid metabolism, anti-inflammatory activity, antioxidant activity and improving intestinal flora in mice. Among them, concentrated active peptide drinks have certain advantages.