Abstract:
This study aimed to optimize the extraction process of polyphenols from
Phellinus baumii Pilát (PBP), evaluate their antioxidant activity, and examine their alleviative effect on palmitic acid (PA)-induced lipotoxicity in AML12 hepatocytes. Ultrasonic-assisted ethanol extraction was optimized using response surface methodology. The crude extract was purified through liquid-liquid extraction and silica gel column chromatography. The composition of purified PBP fractions was identified by ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS), and their antioxidant capacity was evaluated. A PA-induced lipotoxicity model was established in AML12 cells. The effects of PBP intervention were assessed by oil red O staining and measuring triglyceride, malondialdehyde, and superoxide dismutase levels. Protein expression of SREBF1, ACC1, CD36, ACSL4, GPX4 and caspase 3 were analyzed by Western blotting. Results: The highest polyphenol content (7.98±0.25 mg/g) was achieved under conditions of 1:32 g/mL, 56 ℃, and 0.85 h extraction time. Five specific polyphenols were identified in the purified PBP fraction, including Hispolon, Hispidin, Phelligridin B, 2,3-dihydroxycinnamic acid, and rosmarinic acid. The purified PBP exhibited significantly higher antioxidant activity in vitro compared to the crude extract (
P<0.05). Cell experiments demonstrated that PBP intervention significantly reduced intracellular triglyceride and malondialdehyde levels (
P<0.001), enhanced superoxide dismutase activity (
P<0.01), and decreased lipid accumulation. Additionally, PBP significantly downregulated ACSL4 and caspase 3 expression, upregulated GPX4 (
P<0.05), thus alleviating PA-induced ferroptosis and apoptosis. In conclusion, this study optimized the extraction process of PBP and identified five polyphenolic compounds. PBP exhibited significant antioxidant activity and alleviated PA-induced lipotoxicity in AML12 hepatocytes through the inhibition of ferroptosis and apoptosis, suggesting its potential for development as a functional food ingredient.