Identification of key genes involved in the alleviative effects of Polysaccharide of Atractylodes macrocephala Koidz on high-fat diet-induced nonalcoholic fatty liver disease in mice

[Display omitted] •PAMK have potential in alleviating HFD-induced NAFLD.•PAMK alleviates hepatocellular steatosis & liver injury caused by HFD.•Transcriptome analysis suggests dual effects of PAMK on metabolic & inflammatory pathways. Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is increasingly prevalent, but treatment options are limited. Previous studies have demonstrated the hepatoprotective effects of Polysaccharide of Atractylodes macrocephala Koidz (PAMK) against liver injury induced by various causes, but its potential in alleviating NAFLD remains unknown. This study aimed to investigate the potential of PAMK in improving NAFLD and its regulatory effects on gene transcription during the process. The results indicated that Highfatdiet (HFD) could induce NAFLD in mice, and PAMK was found to alleviate symptoms of NAFLD and mitigate liver injury caused by HFD. Transcriptome analysis revealed that PAMK affects both metabolic and inflammatory pathways, suggesting its dual impact on maintaining metabolic homeostasis and suppressing inflammation during NAFLD progression. The results of liver biochemical markers, key genes of the cholesterol pathway, glucose (GLU), and inflammatory factors further demonstrated the dual role of PAMK in metabolism and inflammation.