Integrated multiplatform-based metabonomics and network analysis to explore the mechanism of Polygonum cuspidatum on hyperlipidemia

Quality markers of Guchang Zhixie pills based on multicomponent qualitative and quantitative analysis combined with network pharmacology and chemometric analysis

Traditional Chinese medicine Guchang Zhixie pills(GCZX) is one of the famous varieties of "Qin medicine" that has been extensively applied to treating irritable bowel syndrome(IBS). However, despite the acknowledged clinical advantages of GCZX there are significant constraints on its quality control and evaluation. The present study utilized UHPLC-Q-Exactive-Orbitrap-MS to analyze the chemical composition of GCZX. Additionally, network pharmacology approaches were utilized to explore the underlying mechanism by which blood components exert therapeutic effects in the treatment of IBS. Furthermore, the GCZX samples were evaluated for their quality on the basis of the qualitative results obtained from 25 batches of GCZX samples using fingerprinting; subsequently, multivariate statistical analysis methods were employed for further analysis. The results indicated the presence of 198 individual components. Among them, 17 prototype compounds were detected in the serum of rats that were administered with GCZX. The potential therapeutic mechanism of GCZX in the treatment of IBS may be associated with the modulation of the neurological system, the immunological system, and the inflammatory response. Moreover, a total of seven prominent peaks were identified after fingerprint analysis. The range of fingerprint similarity among the 25 batches of samples varied from 0.843 to 1.000. The application of chemometrics analysis successfully facilitated the categorical classification of 25 batches of GCZX into three distinct groups. Seven components hold significant importance and should be duly considered during the quality control process of GCZX. The present study can establish the Q-Markers of GCZX for IBS, thereby providing a foundation for investigating the theoretical underpinnings and elucidating the mechanisms underlying the therapeutic effects of GCZX in the treatment of IBS.

Untargeted metabolomics reveals the regulatory effect of geniposidic acid on lipid accumulation in HepG2 cells and Caenorhabditis elegans and validation in hyperlipidemic hamsters

BACKGROUND

Geniposidic acid (GPA) alleviates oxidative stress and inflammation in mice However, whether it can effectively regulate lipid accumulation and prevent hyperlipidemia requires further investigation.

PURPOSE

This study combined the untargeted metabolomics of cells and a Caenorhabditis elegans model to evaluate the anti-hyperlipidemic potential of GPA by modulating oxidative stress and regulating lipid metabolism. A golden hamster model of hyperlipidemia was used to further validate the lipid-lowering effect and mechanism of action of GPA.

METHODS

Chemical staining, immunofluorescence, and flow cytometry were performed to examine the effects of GPA on lipid accumulation and oxidative stress. Untargeted metabolomic analysis of cells and C. elegans was performed using ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole electrostatic field Orbitrap high-resolution mass spectrometry (UPLC-Q-Orbitrap MS) to identify biomarkers altered by GPA action, analyze the affected metabolic pathways, and validate the mechanisms by which GPA regulates lipid metabolism and oxidative stress. A golden hamster model of hyperlipidemia was established to test the lipid-lowering effects of GPA. Body weight, biochemical markers, rate-limiting enzymes, and key proteins were assessed. Hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) and Oil Red O staining were performed.

RESULTS

Phenotypic data showed that GPA decreased free fatty acid (FFA)-induced lipid buildup and high reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, reversed the decrease in mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), and increased the cellular reduced glutathione/oxidized glutathione disulfide (GSH/GSSG) ratio. GPA also reduces high glucose-induced lipid build-up and ROS production in C. elegans. Metabolomic analysis showed that GPA affected purine, lipid, and amino acid metabolism. Moreover, GPA inhibited xanthine oxidase (XOD), glutamate dehydrogenase (GLDH), fatty acid synthase (FAS), phosphorylation of P38 MAPK, and upregulated the expression of SIRT3 and CPT1A protein production to control lipid metabolism and produce antioxidant benefits in cells and golden hamsters.

CONCLUSION

Current evidence suggests that GPA can effectively regulate lipid metabolism and the oxidative stress response, and has the potential to prevent hyperlipidemia. This study also provided an effective method for evaluating the mechanism of action of GPA.

Quality markers of Dajianzhong decoction based on multicomponent qualitative and quantitative analysis combined with network pharmacology and chemometric analysis

INTRODUCTION

Dajianzhong decoction (DJZD), a classic famous prescription, has a long history of medicinal application. Modern studies have demonstrated its clinical utility in the treatment of postoperative ileus (POI). But none of the current quality evaluation methods for this compound is associated with efficacy.

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to identify the quality markers (Q-Markers) connected to the treatment of POI in DJZD.

METHODOLOGY

Ultra-performance liquid chromatography quadrupole Exactive Orbitrap mass spectrometry (UPLC-Q-Exactive Orbitrap-MS) was used to identify the main constituents in DJZD. Based on the qualitative results obtained by fingerprinting, chemical pattern recognition (CPR) was used to analyse the key components affecting the quality and finally to establish the network of the active ingredients in DJZD with POI.

RESULTS

A total of 64 chemical components were detected. After fingerprint analysis, 13 common peaks were identified. The fingerprint similarity of 15 batches of samples ranged from 0.860 to 1.000. CPR analysis was able to categorically classify 15 batches of DJZD into two groups. And gingerenone A, methyl-6-gingerdiol, 6-gingerol, and hydroxy-β-sanshool contributed to their grouping. Twelve common components interact with the therapeutic targets for treating POI. In addition, the mechanism of this prescription for treating POI may be related to the jurisdiction of the neurological system, the immunological system, and the inflammatory response.

CONCLUSIONS

This integrated approach can accurately assess and forecast the quality of DJZD, presume the Q-Markers of DJZD for POI, and lay the foundation for studying the theoretical underpinnings and exploring the mechanism of DJZD in the treatment of POI.

Metabolomics reveals the role of Lactobacillus plantarum SHY130 in hepatic metabolic regulation in a mouse model of type 2 diabetes

BACKGROUND

Among type 2 diabetes (T2D) patients, the incidence rate of liver metabolic disorders is much higher than that in healthy subjects. It was observed in our previous research that diabetic symptoms were improved by Lactobacillus plantarum SHY130 (LPSHY130) isolated from yak yogurt in a murine model of T2D. This study sought to investigate the LPSHY130-mediated hepatic metabolic regulation in a murine model of T2D.

RESULTS

Treatment with LPSHY130 improved liver function and pathological damage in diabetic mice. Untargeted metabolome analysis revealed that T2D-induced changes in 11 metabolites were regulated after LPSHY130 treatment, mainly involving purine metabolism, amino acid metabolism, and choline metabolism and pantothenate and coenzyme A biosynthesis pathways. In addition, correlation analysis indicated that hepatic metabolic changes can be adjusted by the intestinal microbiota.

CONCLUSION

Overall, this study suggests that treatment with LPSHY130 relieves liver injury and regulates liver metabolism in a murine model of T2D, thus providing a theoretical basis for the use of probiotics as dietary supplements to regulate hepatic metabolic disorders associated with T2D. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.

Ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole/time-of-flight mass spectrometry-based lipidomics reveals key lipid molecules as potential therapeutic targets of Polygonum cuspidatum against hyperlipidemia in a hamster model

Polygonum cuspidatum is a homology of traditional medicine and functional food widely distributed around the world. Our previous study on the hyperlipidemic animal model demonstrated that Polygonum cuspidatum was effective in ameliorating hyperlipidemia, which is characterized by lipid disorders. Herein, the regulatory effect of Polygonum cuspidatum on lipid metabolism needs to be known if its hypolipidemic mechanism is desired to clarify. In this study, an ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole/time-of-flight mass spectrometry-based lipidomic strategy was first applied to investigate the lipidomic patterns of high-fat diet-induced hyperlipidemic hamsters when treated with Polygonum cuspidatum. The results showed that Polygonum cuspidatum improved the lipidomic profile of hyperlipidemia. A total of 65 differential lipids related to the hypolipidemic effect of Polygonum cuspidatum were screened out and identified, and these differential lipids covered various categories, such as phosphatidylcholines, phosphatidylethanolamines, triacylglycerols, sphingomyelins and so on. Orally administrated Polygonum cuspidatum restored these differential lipids back to normal or nearly normal levels. This study adopted lipidomics to reveal the key lipid molecules as potential therapeutic targets of Polygonum cuspidatum against hyperlipidemia, which would provide a scientific basis for its clinical application.

Simultaneous quantification of 3',4'-dimethoxy flavonol-3-O-glucoside and its major metabolite in human plasma by LC-MS/MS and its application to a clinical pharmacokinetic study

Hyperlipidemia is a disease characterized by abnormal blood lipid levels and is the leading risk factor for cardiovascular disease. 3',4'-Dimethoxy flavonol-3-O-glucoside (abbreviated DF3G) is a new lipid-lowering drug created as a flavonoid structural analog. The principal metabolite of DF3G in human plasma is the aglycone glucuronide conjugate M2. The purpose of this study is to use liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry to develop and validate a quantitative analysis method for DF3G and its metabolite M2 in human plasma, and to use the method to investigate the pharmacokinetics of DF3G and M2 in a clinical trial. This method employed DF3G-d₆ as the internal standard, and plasma samples were processed by protein precipitation. Isocratic separation could accurately differentiate DF3G, M2, and DF3G-d₆ from endogenous components in the matrix or other components in the samples, and endogenous components in the matrix had little impact on ionization efficiency. Positive electrospray ionization with multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) transitions of m/z 461.2 → 299.0 for DF3G, m/z 475.1 → 299.1 for M2 and m/z 467.1 → 305.1 for DF3G-d₆ was used for quantification. The DF3G and M2 linear range for plasma were in the range of 4.00/4.00 ng/mL to 4000/4000 ng/mL. Both the analytes and the internal standard were stable regardless of whether they were in solution or plasma samples. The accuracy of the average concentration of the quality control samples was within 15% of the theoretical value, and the RSD was less than 15%. The method is rapid, accurate, straightforward, and precise. It is appropriate for the determination of DF3G and M2 concentrations in human plasma and has been successfully applied to determine the pharmacokinetic analysis in phase I clinical trials.

Characterization of the chemical constituents and metabolic profile of Polygonum cuspidatum Sieb. et Zucc. in rat plasma, urine, and feces by ultra-high performance liquid chromatography coupled with Quadrupole-Exactive Orbitrap mass spectrometry

Polygonum cuspidatum Sieb. et Zucc. is a traditional and popular Chinese medicine with a wide spectrum of pharmacological effects such as anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory, and anti-tumor activities together with other health effects like lowering lipids, preventing diabetes, and regulating the immune system. It is of great significance to explore the complex chemical constituents and metabolic process of Polygonum cuspidatum in vivo to further clarify the effective substances. However, studies on its metabolism in vivo were not comprehensive in previous literature. In this study, ultra-high performance liquid chromatography coupled with Quadrupole-Exactive Orbitrap mass spectrometry was used to comprehensively identify the chemical constituents in Polygonum cuspidatum and further analyze its metabolic profile in rats. Compared with reference substances, various databases, and literature retrieval, 62 compounds were inferred from the Polygonum cuspidatum extract. Furthermore, a total of 119 compounds, including 44 prototype compounds and 75 metabolites, were annotated in rat plasma, urine, and feces. The main metabolic pathways of Polygonum cuspidatum in rats included hydrogenation reduction, hydroxylation, dehydration, methylation, sulfation, and glucuronidation. This is the first systematic study on the chemical constituents of Polygonum cuspidatum and its metabolic profile in vivo, which contributes to finding its bioactive components and seeking its therapeutic targets.

Comprehensive metabolomic characterization of atrial fibrillation

Background

Using human humoral metabolomic profiling, we can discover the diagnostic biomarkers and pathogenesis of disease. The specific characterization of atrial fibrillation (AF) subtypes with metabolomics may facilitate effective and targeted treatment, especially in early stages.

Objectives

By investigating disturbed metabolic pathways, we could evaluate the diagnostic value of biomarkers based on metabolomics for different types of AF.

Methods

A cohort of 363 patients was enrolled and divided into a discovery and validation set. Patients underwent an electrocardiogram (ECG) for suspected AF. Groups were divided as follows: healthy individuals (Control), suspected AF (Sus-AF), first diagnosed AF (Fir-AF), paroxysmal AF (Par-AF), persistent AF (Per-AF), and AF causing a cardiogenic ischemic stroke (Car-AF). Serum metabolomic profiles were determined by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and liquid chromatography–quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (LC-QTOF-MS). Metabolomic variables were analyzed with clinical information to identify relevant diagnostic biomarkers.

Results

The metabolic disorders were characterized by 16 cross-comparisons. We focused on comparing all of the types of AF (All-AFs) plus Car-AF vs. Control, All-AFs vs. Car-AF, Par-AF vs. Control, and Par-AF vs. Per-AF. Then, 117 and 94 metabolites were identified by GC/MS and LC-QTOF-MS, respectively. The essential altered metabolic pathways during AF progression included D-glutamine and D-glutamate metabolism, glycerophospholipid metabolism, etc. For differential diagnosis, the area under the curve (AUC) of specific metabolomic biomarkers ranged from 0.8237 to 0.9890 during the discovery phase, and the predictive values in the validation cohort were 78.8–90.2%.

Conclusions

Serum metabolomics is a powerful way to identify metabolic disturbances. Differences in small–molecule metabolites may serve as biomarkers for AF onset, progression, and differential diagnosis.

Action Mechanism of Zhuang Medicine Jin-mu Granules Against Chronic Pelvic Inflammatory Disease Explored Using Comprehensive Network Pharmacology and Metabolomics

Zhuang Medicine Jin-mu Granules (ZMJG) are prescriptions derived from the Zhuang nationality, which is the largest minority among 56 ethnic groups in China. They have been widely used in the treatment of chronic pelvic inflammatory disease (CPID) in Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region for clearing away heat and toxins, removing dampness and poisoning. CPID is a common gynecological disease of female reproductive organs and surrounding tissues and is characterized by persistent and recurrent symptoms, causing serious physical and psychological damage to the patient. Preliminary research found that ZMJG have beneficial effects on CPID model rats, but the metabolic mechanism underlying their protective effects is unclear. In this study, we used the strategy of combining network pharmacology, pharmacodynamic, and metabolomic approaches to investigate the molecular mechanisms and potential targets of ZMJG for the treatment of CPID. First, a network diagram of “medicinal materials-components-targets-pathways” based on network pharmacology was constructed to obtain a preliminary understanding of the biologically active compounds and related targets of ZMJG and clarify their molecular mechanism in CPID. Subsequently, the in vivo efficacy of ZMJG was verified in a rat model. Furthermore, we analyzed the corresponding metabolomics profile to explore the differentially induced metabolic markers and elucidate the metabolic mechanism by which ZMJG treat CPID. The results show that the therapeutic effect of ZMJG on CPID is mediated through multiple pathways, metabolic pathways, and multi-component multi-target modes, providing a detailed theoretical basis for the development and clinical application of ZMJG and a new research idea for the treatment of CPID in Chinese medicine.

Metabolomics as a valid analytical technique in environmental exposure research: application and progress

BACKGROUND

In recent years, studies have shown that exposure to environmental pollutants (e.g., radiation, heavy metal substances, air pollutants, organic pollutants) is a leading cause of human non-communicable diseases. The key to disease prevention is to clarify the harmful mechanisms and toxic effects of environmental pollutants on the body. Metabolomics is a high-sensitivity, high-throughput omics technology that can obtain detailed metabolite information of an organism. It is a crucial tool for gaining a comprehensive understanding of the pathway network regulation mechanism of the organism. Its application is widespread in many research fields such as environmental exposure assessment, medicine, systems biology, and biomarker discovery.

AIM OF REVIEW

Recent findings show that metabolomics can be used to obtain molecular snapshots of organisms after environmental exposure, to help understand the interaction between environmental exposure and organisms, and to identify potential biomarkers and biological mechanisms.

KEY SCIENTIFIC CONCEPTS OF REVIEW

This review focuses on the application of metabolomics to understand the biological effects of radiation, heavy metals, air pollution, and persistent organic pollutants exposure, and examines some potential biomarkers and toxicity mechanisms.

Network pharmacology combined with metabolomics and lipidomics to reveal the hypolipidemic mechanism of Alismatis rhizoma in hyperlipidemic mice

Alismatis rhizoma (AR), the dried rhizome of Alisma orientale (Sam) Juzep, is effective in treating hyperlipidemia, but the mechanisms involved require further exploration. This study evaluated the hypolipidemic properties of AR using an integrated strategy combining network pharmacology with metabolomics and lipidomics. Firstly, a hyperlipidemia mouse model induced by a high-fat diet was established to evaluate the therapeutic effects of AR. Secondly, plasma metabolomics and lipidomics were used to identify differential metabolites and lipids, and metabolic pathway analysis was performed using MetaboAnalyst. Thirdly, network pharmacology, based on the metabolic profile of AR in vivo, was used to discover potential therapeutic targets. Finally, key targets were obtained through a compound-target-metabolite network, which was verified by molecular docking and quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR). Biochemistry analysis and histological examinations showed that AR exerted hypolipidemic effects on hyperlipidemic mice. Seventy potential biomarkers for the AR treatment of hyperlipidemia were identified by metabolomics and lipidomics, which were mainly involved in lipid metabolism, energy metabolism and amino acid metabolism. Eighteen potentially active compounds were identified in the plasma of mice after oral administration of AR, which were associated with 83 potential therapeutic targets. The PPAR signaling pathway was considered a crucial signaling pathway of AR against hyperlipidemia by KEGG analysis. The joint analysis showed that 6 upstream key targets were regulated by AR, including ALB, TNF, IL1B, MMP9, PPARA and PPARG. Molecular docking showed that active compounds of AR had high binding affinity with these key targets. qPCR further demonstrated that AR could reverse the mRNA expression of these key targets in hyperlipidemic mice. This study integrates network pharmacology with metabolomics and lipidomics to reveal the regulatory effects of AR on endogenous metabolites and validates key therapeutic targets, and represents the most systematic and in-depth study on the hypolipidemic activity of AR.

A designed self-microemulsion delivery system for dihydromyricetin and its dietary intervention effect on high-fat-diet fed mice

The present study aims to design a self-microemulsion delivery system (d-α-tocopheryl polyethylene glycol 1000 succinate - quillaja saponin) to enhance the absorptivity of dihydromyricetin (DMY-S), and to investigate its dietary intervention effect on high-fat-diet (HFD) fed mice. We find DMY-S can inhibit the increase of body weight and fat mass, preventing non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Compared to the model group, the abundance of mice intestinal flora is mainly changed in certain bacterial genera of Firmicutes and Bacteroides, including norank_f_Muribaculaceae and Blautia. The result of metabolism analysis indicated that the expression levels of cincassiol B, creatine, pantothenic acid and aminobutyric acid in the liver tissues of mice treated with DMY-S showed a down-regulation. The DMY-S prevented hyperlipidemia in HFD mice mainly by affecting different pathways including glycerophospholipid metabolism, sphingolipid metabolism and pantothenate and CoA biosynthesis.

Metabonomics Study on the hepatoprotective effect mechanism of polysaccharides from different processed products of Angelica Sinensis on the layer chickens based on UPLC-Q/TOF-MS/MS, multivariate statistical analysis and conjoint analysis

Chicken colibacillosis is one of the most severe diseases in the poultry industry. Ceftiofur sodium (CS) is often used to treat it in clinical practice and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) accumulates in the chicken's body. Previous experimental studies found that CS combined with LPS could induce liver injury in layer chickens, and polysaccharides from charred Angelica sinensis(CASP) had a better hepatoprotective effect than polysaccharides from unprocessed Angelica sinensis(UASP). However, the intervention mechanism was unclear. Thus, UPLC–Q/TOF–MS/MS‐based metabonomics and transcriptomics were used in this study to clarify the hepatoprotective effect mechanism of CASP and UASP in layer chickens. Transcriptomics and enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay were used for biological verification of some critical mutual metabolic pathways screened with metabonomics. The comprehensive analysis results showed that in a layer chicken liver injury model built with LPS and CS, 12 critical metabolic pathways were disturbed, involving 10 important differential metabolites. The hepatoprotective effect mechanism of CASP is related to the arachidonic acid metabolism and mTOR signaling pathways, involving nine important differential metabolites. In contrast, the hepatoprotective effect mechanism of UASP is related to the arachidonic acid metabolism pathway, involving six important differential metabolites.

Polygonum cuspidatum Extract Exerts Antihyperlipidemic Effects by Regulation of PI3K/AKT/FOXO3 Signaling Pathway

Polygonum cuspidatum (PC) has been reported to exert a potent antihyperlipidemic effect. However, its mechanisms of action and active ingredients remain elusive and require further research. In this study, we first conducted in vivo experiments to validate that Polygonum cuspidatum extract (PCE) could ameliorate the blood lipid level in hyperlipidemia model rats. Then, ultrahigh performance liquid chromatography coupled with Q-Exactive MS/MS (UPLC-QE-MS/MS) was applied to verify its 12 main active ingredients. The pharmacophore matching model was employed to predict the target point of the active ingredient, and 27 overlapping genes were identified via database and literature mining. String online database and Cytoscape software were utilized to construct a Protein-Protein Interaction (PPI) network, followed by function annotation analysis and pathway enrichment analysis. The results showed that the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway and its downstream FOXO3/ERα factors were significantly enriched. Furthermore, in vitro experiments were performed to determine the lipid content and oxidative stress (OS) indicators in OA-induced HepG2 cells, and immunofluorescence and western blotting analysis were carried out to analyze the effects of PCE on related proteins. Our experimental results show that the mechanism of antihyperlipidemic action of PCE is related to the activation of the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway and its downstream FOXO3/ERα factors, and polydatin and resveratrol are the main active ingredients in PCE that exert antihyperlipidemic effects.