The mechanism of Jian-Gan-Xiao-Zhi decoction in IR adipocytes and its component analysis

Background: Jian-Gan-Xiao-Zhi decoction (JGXZ) is a formula of traditional Chinese medicine to treat patients with NAFLD. Thus, the study aimed to analyze the mechanism of drug serum of JGXZ in adipocytes and detect the main components of JGXZ in rat serum.Methods: The 3T3-L1 preadipocytes were used to establish IR adipocytes model. The lipid accumulation in adipocytes was detected by oil red O staining. After JGXZ treatment, glucose consumption, TC and TG were analyzed by corresponding kits. ROS levels were measured by flow cytometry. In addition, Western Blot was used to assess LKB1/AMPK and JNK/IRS/PI3k/AKT expressions. Except for that, the main components of JGXZ in rat serum samples were detected by LC-MS/MS method. A Phenomenex Luna C18 was used to perform chromatographic separation and detect the concentration of main components in JGXZ. The ion source was ESI. The mobile phase contained methanol and 0.1% formic acid solution. Results: JGXZ significantly decreased glucose levels and adipogenesis, accompanied by decreased IR (p<0.01). Besides, JGXZ markedly affected ROS, LKB1/AMPK and JNK/IRS/PI3k/AKT levels(p<0.01). The R1, Rg1, paeoniflorin, Rb1, astragaloside and tanshinone could be significantly quantified. Conclusions: Thus, JGXZ decreased glucose and lipid synthesis possibly via ROS/AMPK/JNK pathway. R1, Rg1, paeoniflorin, Rb1, astragaloside and tanshinone in JGXZ could play mainroles in treating NAFLD, which could offer assistance for us to study the mechanism of JGXZ on treating NAFLD.