Lignin intervention protected against Pb-induced oxidative stress and hypercholesterolemia via reducing Pb bioaccumulation and regulating gut microbiota in hamster

The widespread environmental heavy metal, Pb, is renowned for inducing irreversible damage to human health. Lignin, an original fiber, emerges as a promising natural candidate for mitigating lead toxicity owing to its exceptional adsorption capacity and biocompatibility. In this study, we conducted an investigation into the potential therapeutic effects of lignin derived from the bamboo (Dendrocalamus Latiforus) shoot shell (BSS-AAL) in alleviating Pb-induced oxidative stress and hypercholesterolemia in hamsters. Our findings demonstrated the remarkable ability of BSS-AAL to reduce Pb accumulation by 27–40% in plasma and 13–84% in tissues. Furthermore, BSS-AAL exerted reparative effects on the antioxidant system, evidenced by substantial reductions in plasma total cholesterol levels by at least 35% and hepatic cholesterol levels by an impressive 66%. Intervention with BSS-AAL also led to favorable alterations in the richness of key microbial genera, including norank_f__Erysipelotrichaceae, unclassified_f__Atopobiaceae, and norank_f__Eubacteriaceae, which are associated with modulating malonaldehyde accumulation, hepatic cholesterol 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase activity, as well as short chain fatty acids synthesis. These findings substantiated BSS-AAL played a vital role in effectively modulating Pb-induced oxidative stress and hypercholesterolemia by reducing Pb accumulation and favorably influencing gut microbiota. [Display omitted] •Pb exposure showed symptoms in oxidative stress, lipid metabolism, and gut flora.•BSS-AAL lowered Pb accumulation via chelating interaction.•BSS-AAL repaired the antioxidant system.•MDA accumulation and HMGR activity in livers were modulated by gut microbiota.•Gut microbiota involved in acetate were associated with the relief of Pb toxicity.