2,5-Dihydroxybenzoic Acid Ameliorates Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease by Targeting the CCL2-CCR2 Axis to Reduce Lipid Accumulation.

Background/

Objectives

Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is the most prevalent chronic liver disease worldwide, contributing to metabolic dysfunction and increased healthcare costs. The green Mediterranean diet reduces intrahepatic fat and elevates the plasma levels of 2,5-dihydroxybenzoic acid (2,5-DHBA), suggesting a mechanistic role for 2,5-DHBA in hepatic lipid metabolism. This study aimed to evaluate the therapeutic potential of 2,5-DHBA in MASLD and elucidate its molecular mechanism.

Methods

Lipid accumulation was assessed in oleic acid-treated HepG2 cells and a high-fat diet (HFD)-induced MASLD mouse model. RNA sequencing, molecular docking, and immunohistochemical staining were performed to investigate the molecular mechanisms, focusing on the chemokine (C-C motif) ligand 2 (CCL2)-CCL2 receptor (CCR2) axis.

Results

2,5-DHBA significantly reduced hepatic lipid accumulation in both HepG2 cells and HFD-fed mice in a dose-dependent manner. RNA sequencing revealed the marked downregulation of CCL2, a key proinflammatory mediator in MASLD pathogenesis. Molecular docking predicted that 2,5-DHBA competed with CCL2 for binding at the CCR2 axis. Immunohistochemistry further confirmed that 2,5-DHBA treatment lowered hepatic CCL2 expression, suppressed nuclear factor-κB activation, and reduced inflammatory cell infiltration. These findings suggest that 2,5-DHBA exerted anti-steatotic effects by modulating the CCL2-CCR2 signaling pathway.

Conclusions

This is the first study to demonstrate that 2,5-DHBA attenuates hepatic steatosis via targeting the CCL2-CCR2 axis. These findings highlight its potential as a novel nutraceutical strategy for MASLD treatment.