Que Zui tea extract alleviates atherosclerosis via liver-vasculature-gut axis by modulating lipid metabolism, inflammation, and gut microbiota in ApoE
Chen Xinjie, Cui Huimin, Li Yuansheng, Wang Junmei, Fan Ya, Liu Yaping, Cui Tianqi, Cao Jianxin, Ei-Seedi Hesham R, Wang Zhengxuan, Cheng Guiguang
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Atherosclerosis (AS), a chronic cardiovascular disease closely related to dyslipidemia and chronic inflammation, contributes to high mortality worldwide. Que Zui tea (QT) is a traditional herbal tea rich in bioactive constituents with potential health benefits. However, its anti-atherosclerotic effect and precise mechanism remain largely unknown. METHODS: UHPLC-ESI-HRMS/MS was applied to identify the chemical components of QT. The anti-atherosclerotic effects were evaluated in H₂O₂-stimulated HUVECs in vitro and high-cholesterol diet-fed ApoE⁻/⁻ mice in vivo. Serum lipid profiles, inflammatory cytokines, histopathological changes, liver transcriptomics, target protein validation, and gut microbiota composition were systematically determined. RESULTS: A total of 19 compounds were identified in the QT extract, with 6'-O-caffeoylarbutin as the dominant chemical compound. QT markedly increased the antioxidant ability (CAT, GSH, SOD) and decreased MDA accumulation in HUVECs. In ApoE⁻/⁻ mice, QT attenuated aortic atherosclerotic lesions and hepatic steatosis, reduced VCAM-1 and ICAM-1 levels, improved lipid metabolism (reducing contents of TC, TG, LDL-C, VLDL, and ox-LDL, and increasing HDL-C level), and reduced inflammation (IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α, and MCP-1). QT regulated lipid metabolism via PPARα/SREBP1 pathways, suppressed inflammation through the NF-κB pathway, and enhanced antioxidant capacity via Nrf2 signaling. Furthermore, QT reshaped gut microbiota structure (Defluviltaleaceae, Allobaculum, Harryflintia, Ruminococcaceae, etc.) and increased the abundance of SCFA-producing beneficial bacteria. CONCLUSION: QT exerted significant anti-atherosclerotic effects by modulating oxidative stress, lipid metabolism, inflammation, and gut microbiota. These findings supported QT as a promising natural functional product for the prevention and treatment of atherosclerosis.
Key Findings
- Que Zui tea (QT) extract increased antioxidant enzyme activities (CAT, GSH, SOD) and decreased MDA accumulation in endothelial cells.
- QT attenuated aortic atherosclerotic lesions and hepatic steatosis in ApoE⁻/⁻ mice by modulating lipid metabolism, inflammation, and oxidative stress.
- QT enhanced antioxidant capacity via activation of Nrf2 signaling and reshaped gut microbiota by increasing SCFA-producing beneficial bacteria.
Clinical Significance
Que Zui tea extract shows potential as a natural therapeutic agent for preventing and treating atherosclerosis by targeting oxidative stress, lipid metabolism, inflammation, and gut microbiota.
Citation
Chen Xinjie, Cui Huimin, Li Yuanshenget al.. Que Zui tea extract alleviates atherosclerosis via liver-vasculature-gut axis by modulating lipid metabolism, inflammation, and gut microbiota in ApoE Phytomedicine : international journal of phytotherapy and phytopharmacology. 2026-Jul-25.