# Jianpi Qutan Decoction improves hepatic lipid metabolism in atherosclerosis mice via PPARα-CPT1α pathway regulation

## TL;DR

This study shows that Jianpi Qutan Decoction improves liver lipid metabolism in atherosclerosis mice by regulating the PPARα-CPT1α pathway.

## Contribution

The study demonstrates a novel herbal treatment's mechanism for improving lipid metabolism in atherosclerosis via the PPARα-CPT1α pathway.

## Key findings

- JPQT reduced hepatic triglycerides, cholesterol, and inflammation in atherosclerosis mice.
- JPQT modulated fatty acid metabolism by promoting ACC phosphorylation and suppressing FAS and FFA.
- JPQT upregulated PPARα, CPT1α, and ACOX1 expression in the liver in a dose-dependent manner.

## Abstract

To investigate Jianpi Qutan Decoction (JPQT)’s effects on hepatic lipid metabolism via the PPARα-CPT1α pathway.

Eight male C57BL/6J mice served as controls; 32 ApoE-/- mice were randomized into atherosclerosis (AS), atorvastatin calcium (AC), and low/medium/high-dose JPQT groups. Prior to the intervention, therapeutic targets of JPQT were analyzed using network pharmacology to provide a theoretical basis for subsequent experiments. The AS model was induced by a 12-week high-fat diet. Hepatic triglyceride (TG) and cholesterol (TC) were measured via GPO-PAP. Glucose tolerance (GTT) and insulin tolerance (ITT) were assessed. Pro-inflammatory cytokines were analyzed by ELISA/colorimetry. Fatty acid metabolism enzymes were evaluated using kits. PPARα-CPT1α pathway mRNA and protein expression were quantified via qPCR and Western blot.

JPQT and AC reduced aortic plaque lipid deposition. JPQT significantly lowered hepatic TG/TC, blood glucose, insulin, and inflammation. It modulated fatty acid metabolism by promoting ACC phosphorylation, suppressing FAS and FFA while elevating FAβO, with dose-dependent efficacy. Additionally, JPQT upregulated PPARα, CPT1α, and ACOX1 mRNA and protein expression in the liver.

JPQT may improves lipid metabolism and reduces AS progression by activating the PPARα-CPT1α pathway, with higher doses yielding stronger effects.

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s41065-025-00580-8.