Research on the Therapeutic Effect and Mechanism of Stir-Roasted Deer Velvet Antler with Ghee on Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease

<b>Objectives</b>: This study aims to explore the therapeutic effect and mechanism of stir-roasted deer velvet antler with ghee (ZLR) on Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD). <b>Methods</b>: This study used proteomics to analyze the protein composition of roasted deer antler velvet. It established a high-fat diet (HFD)-induced NAFLD rat model and evaluated the therapeutic effects of different dosage groups, including liver injury, oxidative stress, glucose metabolism, steatosis, and insulin homeostasis (via fasting glucose tolerance). Transcriptomics explored the mechanism. Gene expression and Western blot detected lipid metabolism-related gene expression. In vivo experiments validated that ZLR-containing serum alleviates NAFLD and reduces reactive oxygen species levels. <b>Results</b>: The results indicated that ZLR could significantly reduce the body weight, liver weight and degree of hepatic steatosis in HFD rats, improve glycolipid metabolism and insulin sensitivity, and alleviate oxidative stress damage. The mechanism involves activating the adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase/peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (AMPK/PPAR) signaling pathway, regulating the expression of lipid metabolism-related genes, promoting fatty acid oxidation, and reducing fat deposition. The results of in vitro experiments show that ZLR-containing serum can effectively reduce lipid droplet production in liver cells and effectively alleviate oxidative stress damage in liver cells. <b>Conclusions</b>: The traditional Chinese medicine processed product ZLR can regulate lipid metabolism in the body and alleviate the degree of NAFLD by activating the AMPK and PPAR signaling pathways. It provides new ideas for the clinical treatment of NAFLD.