Ganoderma lucidum polysaccharides improve liver metabolic disorders by modulating gut microbiota of ovariectomized mice

polysaccharides (GLPs) on cholesterol metabolism in the liver. A bilateral ovariectomy mouse model was generated and GLP was given by gavage. Serum biochemistry, hepatic architecture and histopathology were assessed, expression of genes governing glucose and lipid homeostasis and circadian rhythm in the hepatic tissue was detected and the changes of intestinal microbiota of ovariectomized mice was analyzed by 16S rDNA sequencing. The GLPs directly affected the intestinal flora, upregulated the abundance of probiotics and improved the structure of microbiota and might indirectly affect the liver metabolism through the gut‑liver axis. GLP administration markedly lowered circulating TC and LDL‑C, decreased hepatic steatosis and modulated the expression of genes associated with the circadian clock, lipid synthesis and glucose metabolism in hepatic tissue. Collectively, these data position GLP as a promising therapeutic candidate for correcting postmenopausal dysmetabolism and curbing cardiovascular risk in aging female patients.