Network Pharmacology-Based Investigation of the Mechanism of Liupao Tea Polyphenol Extract in Preventing MAFLD via the Hepatic EGFR–AKT Pathway

Epidemiological studies indicate that Metabolic Associated Fatty Liver Disease (MAFLD) has become the most prevalent chronic liver disease globally. Identifying bioactive molecules from natural plants that can prevent and ameliorate MAFLD is an effective approach to discovering new MAFLD therapeutics. Liupao tea possesses antioxidant and metabolic regulatory properties. This study aimed to identify the active components of Liupao tea polyphenol extract (PLE), and its potential targets and mechanisms of action in the prevention of MAFLD. We performed experiments on MAFLD mice to establish the prevention efficacy of PLE against MAFLD and determine its optimal dosage. Furthermore, network pharmacology, molecular docking, and SPR were performed to predict that PLE's targets for preventing MAFLD concentrate on the hepatic EGFR target. Knockout of EGFR in hepatocytes attenuated the effects of PLE. These findings indicate that PLE inhibits lipid accumulation by downregulating the EGFR/pEGFR-AKT/pAKT-SREBP-1-ACC1 pathway through binding to the EGFR receptor, thereby preventing MAFLD.