Peoniflorin Attenuates Sepsis-Induced Liver Injury by Promoting Macrophage M2 Polarization via Inhibition of the TLR4/NF-kappaB Pathway (PRJCA051110)
This study demonstrates that peoniflorin, a natural compound derived from Paeonia lactiflora, confers significant protection against sepsis-associated liver injury (SALI) in a murine model of polymicrobial sepsis. Peoniflorin treatment markedly ameliorated hepatic dysfunction and pathological damage while reducing hepatocyte apoptosis. The protective effects were associated with a substantial shift in macrophage polarization from the pro-inflammatory M1 phenotype to the anti-inflammatory M2 phenotype, along with suppression of key pro-inflammatory cytokines. Mechanistic investigations revealed that peoniflorin exerts its hepatoprotective effects primarily through inhibition of the TLR4/NF-?B signaling pathway, as evidenced by the complete reversal of its benefits upon co-administration of a TLR4 agonist. These findings identify peoniflorin as a promising therapeutic candidate for SALI through its dual action on macrophage reprogramming and inflammatory signaling suppression.