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Wu X, Liu C, Wang J, Zhang Y, Li Y, Wang Y, Song L, Qin L, Zhang T, He Q. The role of TrkB signaling-mediated synaptic plasticity in the antidepressant properties of catalpol, the main active compound of Rehmannia glutinosa Libosch. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2024; 333:118448. [PMID: 38871009 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2024.118448] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2024] [Revised: 06/03/2024] [Accepted: 06/06/2024] [Indexed: 06/15/2024]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Rehmannia glutinosa Libosch. (RGL) is a famous ethnic medicine contained in antidepressant Chinese medicine formulas and is traditionally clinically used for depression. We have recently confirmed that RGL enhanced synaptic plasticity in a mouse model of Chinese medical syndrome and that catalpol may be the representatively pharmacological component responsible for its improvement in synaptic plasticity and treatment of depression. Impaired synaptic plasticity is closely linked to major depression. Tyrosine kinase receptor B (TrkB) signaling has recently been discovered as a key pathway for synaptic plasticity improvement and antidepressant discovery. However, to date, it is unknown whether the target of catalpol to improve synaptic plasticity involves TrkB and whether its antidepressant mechanism involves synaptic plasticity mediated by TrkB signaling. AIM OF STUDY This study aims to elucidate the potential antidepressant target and mechanisms of catalpol, the main active compound of RGL, through TrkB signaling-mediated synaptic plasticity. MATERIALS AND METHODS We have recently predicted through molecular networking strategy (including network pharmacology, molecular docking, and molecular dynamics simulation) that catalpol may exert its antidepressant effects by regulating TrkB signaling and thus modulating essential synaptic plasticity proteins. Then, this study used classic behavioral tests, targeted diagnostic reagents, Nissl and Golgi staining, immunohistochemical analysis, immunofluorescence analysis, Western blot, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and Real-time PCR to confirm the potential target and signaling of catalpol to improve synaptic plasticity for the treatment of depression. RESULTS The data showed that catalpol could improve synaptic plasticity and depressive behaviors, and its action pathway was predicted to involve TrkB signaling. Subsequently, the blockade of TrkB abolished the improvement of synaptic plasticity by catalpol and its antidepressant properties, which validated that TrkB signaling was the key pathway for catalpol to improve synaptic plasticity and exert antidepressant properties. Inhibition of COX-2 was likely to be a necessary facilitator for the antidepressant efficacy of catalpol via the TrkB target and TrkB-mediated synaptic plasticity. CONCLUSION TrkB signaling-mediated synaptic plasticity plays a key role in the antidepressant properties of catalpol. This study provides critical information for the development of new and targeted antidepressant therapies or treatment strategies by catalpol. However, considering the existence of sex differences in depression (female depression is 2-3 times than that of males) and not exploring the antidepressant sex specificity of catalpol is a limitation, we will investigate the sex specificity of the antidepressant effects and molecular mechanisms of catalpol on sex-specific animals in the future to provide a preclinical basis for more accurate and targeted medication of catalpol.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaohui Wu
- College of Pharmacy, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, 450046, China.
| | - Chen Liu
- College of Pharmacy, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, 450046, China.
| | - Junming Wang
- College of Pharmacy, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, 450046, China; Collaborative Innovation Center of Research and Development on the Whole Industry Chain of Yu-Yao, Henan Province, China; Co-construction Collaborative Innovation Center for Chinese Medicine and Respiratory Diseases by Henan & Education Ministry of PR China, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, 450046, China.
| | - Yueyue Zhang
- College of Pharmacy, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, 450046, China.
| | - Yamin Li
- College of Pharmacy, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, 450046, China.
| | - Yanmei Wang
- College of Pharmacy, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, 450046, China.
| | - Lingling Song
- College of Pharmacy, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, 450046, China.
| | - Lingyu Qin
- College of Pharmacy, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, 450046, China.
| | - Tianzhu Zhang
- College of Pharmacy, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, 450046, China.
| | - Qingwen He
- College of Pharmacy, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, 450046, China.
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Mao Q, Zhang H, Zhang Z, Lu Y, Pan J, Guo D, Huang L, Tian H, Ma K. Co-decoction of Lilii bulbus and Radix Rehmannia Recens and its key bioactive ingredient verbascoside inhibit neuroinflammation and intestinal permeability associated with chronic stress-induced depression via the gut microbiota-brain axis. PHYTOMEDICINE : INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOTHERAPY AND PHYTOPHARMACOLOGY 2024; 129:155510. [PMID: 38696921 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2024.155510] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2023] [Revised: 02/20/2024] [Accepted: 03/01/2024] [Indexed: 05/04/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Gut microbiota plays a critical role in the pathogenesis of depression and are a therapeutic target via maintaining the homeostasis of the host through the gut microbiota-brain axis (GMBA). A co-decoction of Lilii bulbus and Radix Rehmannia Recens (LBRD), in which verbascoside is the key active ingredient, improves brain and gastrointestinal function in patients with depression. However, in depression treatment using verbascoside or LBRD, mechanisms underlying the bidirectional communication between the intestine and brain via the GMBA are still unclear. PURPOSE This study aimed to examine the role of verbascoside in alleviating depression via gut-brain bidirectional communication and to study the possible pathways involved in the GMBA. METHODS Key molecules and compounds involved in antidepressant action were identified using HPLC and transcriptomic analyses. The antidepressant effects of LBRD and verbascoside were observed in chronic stress induced depression model by behavioural test, neuronal morphology, and synaptic dendrite ultrastructure, and their neuroprotective function was measured in corticosterone (CORT)-stimulated nerve cell injury model. The causal link between the gut microbiota and the LBRD and verbascoside antidepressant efficacy was evaluate via gut microbiota composition analysis and faecal microbiota transplantation (FMT). RESULTS LBRD and Verbascoside administration ameliorated depression-like behaviours and synaptic damage by reversing gut microbiota disturbance and inhibiting inflammatory responses as the result of impaired intestinal permeability or blood-brain barrier leakiness. Furthermore, verbascoside exerted neuroprotective effects against CORT-induced cytotoxicity in an in vitro depression model. FMT therapy indicated that verbascoside treatment attenuated gut inflammation and central nervous system inflammatory responses, as well as eliminated neurotransmitter and brain-gut peptide deficiencies in the prefrontal cortex by modulating the composition of gut microbiota. Lactobacillus, Parabacteroides, Bifidobacterium, and Ruminococcus might play key roles in the antidepressant effects of LBRD via the GMBA. CONCLUSION The current study elucidates the multi-component, multi-target, and multi-pathway therapeutic effects of LBRD on depression by remodeling GMBA homeostasis and further verifies the causality between gut microbiota and the antidepressant effects of verbascoside and LBRD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiancheng Mao
- Shandong Co-Innovation Center of Classic TCM Formula, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, 250355, PR China
| | - Hongxiu Zhang
- Shandong Co-Innovation Center of Classic TCM Formula, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, 250355, PR China; Institute of Virology, Jinan Municipal Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Jinan 250021, PR China
| | - Zhe Zhang
- Shandong Co-Innovation Center of Classic TCM Formula, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, 250355, PR China
| | - Yanting Lu
- Shandong Co-Innovation Center of Classic TCM Formula, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, 250355, PR China
| | - Jin Pan
- Shandong Co-Innovation Center of Classic TCM Formula, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, 250355, PR China
| | - Dongjing Guo
- Shandong Co-Innovation Center of Classic TCM Formula, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, 250355, PR China
| | - Liuxuan Huang
- Shandong Co-Innovation Center of Classic TCM Formula, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, 250355, PR China
| | - Haoquan Tian
- Shandong Co-Innovation Center of Classic TCM Formula, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, 250355, PR China
| | - Ke Ma
- Shandong Co-Innovation Center of Classic TCM Formula, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, 250355, PR China.
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Wu X, Guan Y, Wang J, Song L, Zhang Y, Wang Y, Li Y, Qin L, He Q, Zhang T, Long B, Ji L. Co-catalpol alleviates fluoxetine-induced main toxicity: Involvement of ATF3/FSP1 signaling-mediated inhibition of ferroptosis. PHYTOMEDICINE : INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOTHERAPY AND PHYTOPHARMACOLOGY 2024; 126:155340. [PMID: 38401490 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2024.155340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2023] [Revised: 12/15/2023] [Accepted: 01/05/2024] [Indexed: 02/26/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Fluoxetine is often used as a well-known first-line antidepressant. However, it is accompanied with hepatogenic injury as its main organ toxicity, thereby limiting its application despite its superior efficacy. Fluoxetine is commonly traditionally used combined with some Chinese antidepressant prescriptions containing Rehmannia glutinosa (Dihuang) for depression therapy and hepatoprotection. Our previous experiments showed that co-Dihuang can alleviate fluoxetine-induced liver injury while efficiencies, and catalpol may be the key ingredient to characterize the toxicity-reducing and synergistic effects. However, whether co-catalpol can alleviate fluoxetine-induced liver injury and its toxicity-reducing mechanism remain unclear. PURPOSE On the basis of the first recognition of the dose and duration at which pre-fluoxetine caused hepatic injury, co-catalpol's alleviation of fluoxetine-induced hepatic injury and its pathway was comprehensively elucidated. METHOD AND RESULTS The hepatoprotection of co-catalpol was evaluated by serum biochemical indexes sensitive to hepatic injury and multiple staining techniques for hepatic pathologic analysis. Subsequently, the pathway by which catalpol alleviated fluoxetine-induced hepatic injury was predicted by network pharmacology to be predominantly the inhibition of ferroptosis. These were validated and confirmed in subsequent experiments with key technologies and diagnostic reagents related to ferroptosis. Further molecular docking showed that activating transcription factor 3 (ATF3) and ferroptosis suppressor protein 1 (FSP1) were the the most prospective molecules for catalpol and fluoxetine among many ferroptosis-related molecules. The critical role of ATF3/FSP1 signaling was further observed by surface plasmon resonance, diagnostic reagents, transmission electron microscopy, Western blot, real-time PCR, immunofluorescence, and immunohistochemistry. Results showed that fluoxetine directly bound to ATF3 and FSP1; agonisting ATF3 or blocking FSP1 abolished the alleviation of catalpol on fluoxetine-induced liver injury, and both exacerbated ferroptosis. Moreover, co-catalpol significantly enhanced the antidepressant efficacy of fluoxetine against depressive behaviours in mice. CONCLUSION The hepatic impairment properties of fluoxetine were largely dependent on ATF3/FSP1 target-mediated ferroptosis. Co-catalpol alleviated fluoxetine-induced hepatic injury while enhancing its antidepressant efficacy, and that ATF3/FSP1 signaling-mediated inhibition of ferroptosis was involved in its co-administration detoxification mechanism. This study was the first to reveal the hepatotoxicity characteristics, targets, and mechanisms of fluoxetine; provide a detoxification and efficiency regimen by co-catalpol; and elucidate the detoxification mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaohui Wu
- College of Pharmacy, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, 450046, China
| | - Yuechen Guan
- College of Pharmacy, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, 450046, China
| | - Junming Wang
- College of Pharmacy, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, 450046, China; Co-construction Collaborative Innovation Center for Chinese Medicine and Respiratory Diseases by Henan & Education Ministry of P.R. China, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, 450046, China; Collaborative Innovation Center of Research and Development on the Whole Industry Chain of Yu-Yao, Henan Province, Zhengzhou, 450046, China.
| | - Lingling Song
- College of Pharmacy, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, 450046, China
| | - Yueyue Zhang
- College of Pharmacy, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, 450046, China
| | - Yanmei Wang
- College of Pharmacy, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, 450046, China
| | - Yamin Li
- College of Pharmacy, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, 450046, China
| | - Lingyu Qin
- College of Pharmacy, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, 450046, China
| | - Qingwen He
- College of Pharmacy, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, 450046, China
| | - Tianzhu Zhang
- College of Pharmacy, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, 450046, China
| | - Bingyu Long
- College of Pharmacy, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, 450046, China
| | - Lijie Ji
- College of Pharmacy, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, 450046, China
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Pan W, Shi H, Zang Z, Meng Q, Cheng Y, Liang L, Zhai Y, Yin G, Sun L, Ma K. Research progress on classical traditional Chinese medicine formula Baihe Zhimu ( Lilium lancifolium bulb and Anemarrhena asphodeloides rhizome) decoction in the treatment of depression. Heliyon 2024; 10:e25171. [PMID: 38352746 PMCID: PMC10862512 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e25171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2023] [Revised: 01/19/2024] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 02/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Depression is considered to be an "emotional disease" in ancient books of traditional Chinese medicine. Its clinical features are similar to those of "Lily disease" in the ancient Chinese medicine book Synopsis of the Golden Chamber written by Zhang Zhongjing in the Han Dynasty. Baihe Zhimu (Lilium lancifolium bulb and Anemarrhena asphodeloides rhizome) decoction (LBRAD) is the first prescription of "Lily Disease" in this book. It is also a special remedy for "Lily disease" after sweating. The classic recipe LBRAD consists of two herbs, fresh lily bulbs and dried Rhizoma Anemarrhena slice. It has the effect of supplementing nutrition and clearing heat, nourishing Yin and moistening. After more than two thousand years of clinical practice, it has been currently widely used in clinical treatment of depression. In this paper, the relationship between LBRAD and depression was systematically reviewed from both clinical and experimental studies, as well as the preparation, the clinical application, the pharmacological mechanism and the effective material basis for the treating depression of LBRAD. The core targets and biological processes of the depression treatment were explored through network pharmacological analysis, so as to speculate its potential mechanism. Finally, the association between LBRAD and post-COVID-19 depression was discussed. We concluded with a summary and future prospects. This review may provide a theoretical basis for the expansion of the clinical application of LBRAD and the development of new drugs for the treatment of depression, as well as new ideas for the secondary development of classical prescriptions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenchao Pan
- Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan 250014, PR China
| | - Huishan Shi
- Shandong Co-Innovation Center of Classic TCM Formula, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan 250355, PR China
| | - Zhiping Zang
- Affiliated Hospital of Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan 250014, PR China
| | - Qingwen Meng
- Affiliated Hospital of Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan 250014, PR China
| | - Yiran Cheng
- Affiliated Hospital of Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan 250014, PR China
| | - Lili Liang
- Affiliated Hospital of Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan 250014, PR China
| | - Yuanhui Zhai
- Affiliated Hospital of Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan 250014, PR China
| | - Guoliang Yin
- Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan 250014, PR China
| | - Lingzhi Sun
- Affiliated Hospital of Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan 250014, PR China
| | - Ke Ma
- Shandong Co-Innovation Center of Classic TCM Formula, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan 250355, PR China
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Liu M, Ma W, He Y, Sun Z, Yang J. Recent Progress in Mass Spectrometry-Based Metabolomics in Major Depressive Disorder Research. Molecules 2023; 28:7430. [PMID: 37959849 PMCID: PMC10647556 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28217430] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2023] [Revised: 10/24/2023] [Accepted: 11/02/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a serious mental illness with a heavy social burden, but its underlying molecular mechanisms remain unclear. Mass spectrometry (MS)-based metabolomics is providing new insights into the heterogeneous pathophysiology, diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of MDD by revealing multi-parametric biomarker signatures at the metabolite level. In this comprehensive review, recent developments of MS-based metabolomics in MDD research are summarized from the perspective of analytical platforms (liquid chromatography-MS, gas chromatography-MS, supercritical fluid chromatography-MS, etc.), strategies (untargeted, targeted, and pseudotargeted metabolomics), key metabolite changes (monoamine neurotransmitters, amino acids, lipids, etc.), and antidepressant treatments (both western and traditional Chinese medicines). Depression sub-phenotypes, comorbid depression, and multi-omics approaches are also highlighted to stimulate further advances in MS-based metabolomics in the field of MDD research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingxia Liu
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Mental Disorders, National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, National Center for Mental Disorders, Beijing Anding Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100088, China; (M.L.)
- Advanced Innovation Center for Human Brain Protection, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China
| | - Wen Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Yi He
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Mental Disorders, National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, National Center for Mental Disorders, Beijing Anding Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100088, China; (M.L.)
- Advanced Innovation Center for Human Brain Protection, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China
| | - Zuoli Sun
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Mental Disorders, National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, National Center for Mental Disorders, Beijing Anding Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100088, China; (M.L.)
- Advanced Innovation Center for Human Brain Protection, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China
| | - Jian Yang
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Mental Disorders, National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, National Center for Mental Disorders, Beijing Anding Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100088, China; (M.L.)
- Advanced Innovation Center for Human Brain Protection, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China
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Targeted and non-targeted metabolomics uncovering the effects of Er-Miao-Wan formula on rats with hyperuricemia. J Pharm Biomed Anal 2023; 226:115246. [PMID: 36731256 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpba.2023.115246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2022] [Revised: 01/05/2023] [Accepted: 01/10/2023] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Er-Miao-Wan formula (EMW), composed of Phellodendri Chinensis Cortex and Atractylodis Rhizoma, is widely used in the treatment of hyperuricemia (HUA), gout, and related complications as a classic compound formula. However, its mechanisms for the treatment of HUA still need to be further systematically investigated. The study aimed to perform modern analytical techniques to elucidate the mechanisms of EMW in improving the symptoms of HUA from the perspective of metabolomics. We used a high-fructose diet to establish a rat model of HUA to evaluate the effects of EMW on improving HUA. Next, we established a targeted metabolomics analysis method to quantitatively analyze purine metabolites in plasma by using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography with ultraviolet and triple quadrupole mass spectrometry (UHPLC-UV-QQQ MS), and combined with plasma non-targeted metabolomics analysis by using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UHPLC-Q/TOF MS) to clarify the potential mechanisms of EMW to improve HUA. Oral administration of EMW could significantly increase the urinary uric acid and decrease the serum uric acid, and exhibited a remarkable effect on improving HUA. Plasma targeted metabolomics analysis showed that six purine metabolites related to HUA, including uric acid, hypoxanthine, xanthine, deoxyadenosine, deoxyguanosine, and deoxyinosine, were changed in the EMW-treated group. Further, principal component analysis (PCA) and partial least squares discrimination analysis (PLS-DA) showed that the mechanism of EMW interfering with purine metabolic pathway in the rats with HUA could be different from that of allopurinol. On the basis of plasma non-targeted metabolomics, PCA and orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis (OPLA-DA) screened and identified 23 potential biomarkers in the rats with HUA, and 11 biomarkers showed a trend of reversion after the intervention of EMW. The pathway analysis suggested that EMW might have therapeutic effects on the rats with HUA via the metabolic pathways including phenylalanine metabolism, glycerophospholipid metabolism, and tryptophan metabolism. In this study, a plasma targeted metabolomics method that can simultaneously quantify nine purine metabolites in rats with HUA was established for the first time, which can be used to study diseases closely related to HUA. In addition, we further explored the overall effect of EMW on HUA in combination with the metabonomic method established by non-targeted metabolomics, which was helpful to solve the defect that the pharmacological mechanism caused by multi-components and multi-targets of traditional Chinese medicine was difficult to explain scientifically and comprehensively. In summary, EMW could effectively alleviate the symptoms of high-fructose-induced HUA, and the study provided a reference for the potential therapeutic mechanism of EMW.
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