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Gao JF, Dong YY, Jin X, Dai LJ, Wang JR, Zhang H. Identification and Verification of Ferroptosis-Related Genes in Keratoconus Using Bioinformatics Analysis. J Inflamm Res 2024; 17:2383-2397. [PMID: 38660574 PMCID: PMC11041983 DOI: 10.2147/jir.s455337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2023] [Accepted: 04/10/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Objective Keratoconus is a commonly progressive and blinding corneal disorder. Iron metabolism and oxidative stress play crucial roles in both keratoconus and ferroptosis. However, the association between keratoconus and ferroptosis is currently unclear. This study aimed to analyze and verify the role of ferroptosis-related genes (FRGs) in the pathogenesis of keratoconus through bioinformatics. Methods We first obtained keratoconus-related datasets and FRGs. Then, the differentially expressed FRGs (DE-FRGs) associated with keratoconus were screened through analysis, followed by analysis of their biological functions. Subsequently, the LASSO and SVM-RFE algorithms were used to screen for diagnostic biomarkers. GSEA was performed to explore the potential functions of the marker genes. Finally, the associations between these biomarkers and immune cells were analyzed. qRT‒PCR was used to detect the expression of these biomarkers in corneal tissues. Results A total of 39 DE-FRGs were screened, and functional enrichment analysis revealed that the DE-FRGs were closely related to apoptosis, oxidative stress, and the immune response. Then, using multiple algorithms, 6 diagnostic biomarkers were selected, and the ROC curve was used to verify their risk prediction ability. In addition, based on CIBERSORT analysis, alterations in the immune microenvironment of keratoconus patients might be associated with H19, GCH1, CHAC1, and CDKN1A. Finally, qRT‒PCR confirmed that the expression of H19 and CHAC1 was elevated in the keratoconus group. Conclusion This study identified 6 DE-FRGs, 4 of which were associated with immune infiltrating cells, and established a diagnostic model with predictive value for keratoconus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing-Fan Gao
- Eye Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150001, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yue-Yan Dong
- Eye Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150001, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xin Jin
- Eye Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150001, People’s Republic of China
| | - Li-Jun Dai
- Eye Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150001, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jing-Rao Wang
- Eye Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150001, People’s Republic of China
| | - Hong Zhang
- Eye Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150001, People’s Republic of China
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Liu R, Ma R, Yan X. Balanced activation of Nrf-2/ARE mediates the protective effect of sulforaphane on keratoconus in the cell mechanical microenvironment. Sci Rep 2024; 14:6937. [PMID: 38521828 PMCID: PMC10960822 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-57596-9] [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: 01/10/2024] [Accepted: 03/20/2024] [Indexed: 03/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Keratoconus (KC) is a progressive degenerative disease that usually occurs bilaterally and is characterized by corneal thinning and apical protrusion of the cornea. Oxidative stress is an indicator of the accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), and KC keratocytes exhibit increased ROS production compared with that of normal keratocytes. Therefore, oxidative stress in KC keratocytes may play a major role in the development and progression of KC. Here, we investigated the protective effect of sulforaphane (SF) antioxidants using a hydrogel-simulated model of the cell mechanical microenvironment of KC. The stiffness of the KC matrix microenvironment in vitro was 16.70 kPa and the stiffness of the normal matrix microenvironment was 34.88 kPa. Human keratocytes (HKs) were cultured for 24 h before observation or drug treatment with H2O2 in the presence or absence of SF. The levels of oxidative stress, nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 (Nrf-2) and antioxidant response element (ARE) were detected. The high-stress state of HKs in the mechanical microenvironment of KC cells compensates for the activation of the Nrf-2/ARE signaling pathway. H2O2 leads to increased oxidative stress and decreased levels of antioxidant proteins in KC. In summary, SF can reduce endogenous and exogenous oxidative stress and increase the antioxidant capacity of cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruixing Liu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, 100034, People's Republic of China
- People's Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, Henan Eye Hospital, Zhengzhou, 450003, People's Republic of China
| | - Ruojun Ma
- People's Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, Henan Eye Hospital, Zhengzhou, 450003, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaoming Yan
- Department of Ophthalmology, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, 100034, People's Republic of China.
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Sedaghat MR, Shiri H, Tavakkol-Afshari J, Norouzmahani ME, Bahri F, Fooladi S, Momeni-Moghaddam H, Danesh Z, Nikpoor AR, Momeni-Moghaddam MA, Nematollahi MH, Sadeghi J. Impact of a 50bp insertion/deletion polymorphism of the superoxide dismutase-1 on oxidative stress status and risk of keratoconus. Exp Eye Res 2024; 238:109742. [PMID: 38040051 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2023.109742] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2023] [Revised: 11/24/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 12/03/2023]
Abstract
Keratoconus (KC) is characterized by the predominant primary ectatic disease, affecting the cornea, necessitating corneal transplants in some cases. While some loci associated with KC risk have been identified, the understanding of the disease remains limited. Superoxide dismutase (SOD) enzymes play a crucial role in countering the reactive oxygen species and providing protection against oxidative stress (OS). Accordingly, the objective of this study was to investigate a potential association of a 50 nucleotide base pairs (bp) insertion/deletion (I/D) within the SOD1 promoter, and the located 1684 bp upstream of the SOD1 ATG, with KC in the Iranian population. Additionally, an assessment was conducted on SOD activity and the total antioxidant capacity (TAC), as determined by the ferric reducing-antioxidant power assay, along with malondialdehyde (MDA) levels. In this case-control study, genomic DNA was extracted from the blood cells of KC (n = 402) and healthy (n = 331) individuals. The genotype of this gene was determined using the PCR technique. Furthermore, the amount of SOD enzyme activity and the MDA and TAC levels were measured in the serum of the study groups. The (I/I) genotype was present in 84.23%, the (I/D) genotype in 15.06%, and the (D/D) genotype in 0.69% of both groups. A statistically significant relationship was seen between different genotypes and TAC, MDA, and SOD1 activity indices (P < 0.05). Individuals with the D/D genotype exhibited a decrease in total antioxidant capacity, an increase in the amount of MDA, and a decrease in SOD1 enzyme activity (P < 0.05). Moreover, the logistic regression analysis of KC development indicated that elevated levels of MDA increased the risk of KC incidence in the patient group compared to the healthy group, while a higher activity of SOD1 and greater values of TAC decreased the KC risk. The removal of the 50 bp fragment reduced SOD1 activity and elevated OS levels, thereby impacting the oxidant-antioxidant balance. This could potentially play a significant role in individuals afflicted by KC.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Hamidreza Shiri
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Jalil Tavakkol-Afshari
- Immunogenetic and Cell Culture Department, Immunology Research Center, School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran; Department of allergy and immunology, School of medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | | | - Faegheh Bahri
- Applied Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Saba Fooladi
- Yale Cardiovascular Research Center, Section of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, 06511, USA
| | - Hamed Momeni-Moghaddam
- Rehabilitation Sciences Research Center, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Zahedan, Iran
| | - Zeynab Danesh
- Department of Optometry, School of Paramedical Sciences, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Amin Reza Nikpoor
- Molecular Medicine Research Center, Hormozgan Health Institute, Hormozgan University of Medical Sciences, Bandar Abbas, Iran
| | | | | | - Javad Sadeghi
- Eye Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.
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Böhm EW, Buonfiglio F, Voigt AM, Bachmann P, Safi T, Pfeiffer N, Gericke A. Oxidative stress in the eye and its role in the pathophysiology of ocular diseases. Redox Biol 2023; 68:102967. [PMID: 38006824 DOI: 10.1016/j.redox.2023.102967] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2023] [Revised: 11/10/2023] [Accepted: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 11/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Oxidative stress occurs through an imbalance between the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the antioxidant defense mechanisms of cells. The eye is particularly exposed to oxidative stress because of its permanent exposure to light and due to several structures having high metabolic activities. The anterior part of the eye is highly exposed to ultraviolet (UV) radiation and possesses a complex antioxidant defense system to protect the retina from UV radiation. The posterior part of the eye exhibits high metabolic rates and oxygen consumption leading subsequently to a high production rate of ROS. Furthermore, inflammation, aging, genetic factors, and environmental pollution, are all elements promoting ROS generation and impairing antioxidant defense mechanisms and thereby representing risk factors leading to oxidative stress. An abnormal redox status was shown to be involved in the pathophysiology of various ocular diseases in the anterior and posterior segment of the eye. In this review, we aim to summarize the mechanisms of oxidative stress in ocular diseases to provide an updated understanding on the pathogenesis of common diseases affecting the ocular surface, the lens, the retina, and the optic nerve. Moreover, we discuss potential therapeutic approaches aimed at reducing oxidative stress in this context.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elsa Wilma Böhm
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Medical Center, Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Langenbeckstrasse 1, 55131, Mainz, Germany.
| | - Francesco Buonfiglio
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Medical Center, Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Langenbeckstrasse 1, 55131, Mainz, Germany
| | - Anna Maria Voigt
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Medical Center, Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Langenbeckstrasse 1, 55131, Mainz, Germany
| | - Philipp Bachmann
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Medical Center, Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Langenbeckstrasse 1, 55131, Mainz, Germany
| | - Tarek Safi
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Medical Center, Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Langenbeckstrasse 1, 55131, Mainz, Germany
| | - Norbert Pfeiffer
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Medical Center, Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Langenbeckstrasse 1, 55131, Mainz, Germany
| | - Adrian Gericke
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Medical Center, Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Langenbeckstrasse 1, 55131, Mainz, Germany.
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Loiseau A, Raîche-Marcoux G, Maranda C, Bertrand N, Boisselier E. Animal Models in Eye Research: Focus on Corneal Pathologies. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:16661. [PMID: 38068983 PMCID: PMC10706114 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242316661] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2023] [Revised: 09/27/2023] [Accepted: 11/19/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
The eye is a complex sensory organ that enables visual perception of the world. The dysfunction of any of these tissues can impair vision. Conduction studies on laboratory animals are essential to ensure the safety of therapeutic products directly applied or injected into the eye to treat ocular diseases before eventually proceeding to clinical trials. Among these tissues, the cornea has unique homeostatic and regenerative mechanisms for maintaining transparency and refraction of external light, which are essential for vision. However, being the outermost tissue of the eye and directly exposed to the external environment, the cornea is particularly susceptible to injury and diseases. This review highlights the evidence for selecting appropriate animals to better understand and treat corneal diseases, which rank as the fifth leading cause of blindness worldwide. The development of reliable and human-relevant animal models is, therefore, a valuable research tool for understanding and translating fundamental mechanistic findings, as well as for assessing therapeutic potential in humans. First, this review emphasizes the unique characteristics of animal models used in ocular research. Subsequently, it discusses current animal models associated with human corneal pathologies, their utility in understanding ocular disease mechanisms, and their role as translational models for patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexis Loiseau
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Ophthalmology and Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery, CHU de Québec Research Center, Université Laval, Québec, QC G1S 4L8, Canada; (G.R.-M.); (C.M.)
| | - Gabrielle Raîche-Marcoux
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Ophthalmology and Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery, CHU de Québec Research Center, Université Laval, Québec, QC G1S 4L8, Canada; (G.R.-M.); (C.M.)
| | - Cloé Maranda
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Ophthalmology and Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery, CHU de Québec Research Center, Université Laval, Québec, QC G1S 4L8, Canada; (G.R.-M.); (C.M.)
| | - Nicolas Bertrand
- Faculty of Pharmacy, CHU de Quebec Research Center, Université Laval, Québec, QC G1V 4G2, Canada;
| | - Elodie Boisselier
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Ophthalmology and Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery, CHU de Québec Research Center, Université Laval, Québec, QC G1S 4L8, Canada; (G.R.-M.); (C.M.)
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Hadvina R, Estes A, Liu Y. Animal Models for the Study of Keratoconus. Cells 2023; 12:2681. [PMID: 38067109 PMCID: PMC10705680 DOI: 10.3390/cells12232681] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2023] [Revised: 11/03/2023] [Accepted: 11/15/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Keratoconus (KC) is characterized by localized, central thinning and cone-like protrusion of the cornea. Its precise etiology remains undetermined, although both genetic and environmental factors are known to contribute to disease susceptibility. Due to KC's complex nature, there is currently no ideal animal model to represent both the corneal phenotype and underlying pathophysiology. Attempts to establish a KC model have involved mice, rats, and rabbits, with some additional novel animals suggested. Genetic animal models have only been attempted in mice. Similarly, spontaneously occurring animal models for KC have only been discovered in mice. Models generated using chemical or environmental treatments have been attempted in mice, rats, and rabbits. Among several methods used to induce KC in animals, ultraviolet radiation exposure and treatment with collagenase are some of the most prevalent. There is a clear need for an experimental model animal to elucidate the underlying mechanisms behind the development and progression of keratoconus. An appropriate animal model could also aid in the development of treatments to slow or arrest the disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel Hadvina
- Department of Cellular Biology & Anatomy, Augusta University, 1120 15th Street, Augusta, GA 30912, USA
- Center for Biotechnology and Genomic Medicine, Augusta University, 1120 15th Street, Augusta, GA 30912, USA
| | - Amy Estes
- James & Jean Culver Vision Discovery Institute, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, 1120 15th Street, Augusta, GA 30912, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology, Augusta University, Augusta, GA 30912, USA
| | - Yutao Liu
- Department of Cellular Biology & Anatomy, Augusta University, 1120 15th Street, Augusta, GA 30912, USA
- Center for Biotechnology and Genomic Medicine, Augusta University, 1120 15th Street, Augusta, GA 30912, USA
- James & Jean Culver Vision Discovery Institute, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, 1120 15th Street, Augusta, GA 30912, USA
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Zhang Y, Che D, Cao Y, Yue Y, He T, Zhu Y, Zhou J. MicroRNA Profiling in the Aqueous Humor of Keratoconus Eyes. Transl Vis Sci Technol 2022; 11:5. [PMID: 36472881 PMCID: PMC9733654 DOI: 10.1167/tvst.11.12.5] [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] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose To identify differentially expressed (DE) microRNAs (miRNAs) in the aqueous humor (AH) of keratoconus (KC) eyes using next-generation sequencing and to explore whether DE miRNAs might play roles in KC pathophysiology. Methods The small RNAs in the AH of 15 KC eyes and 15 myopia eyes (the control group) were sequenced on an Illumina NovaSeq 6000 platform. Gene Oncology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genome enrichment analyses were performed. Receiver operating characteristic curves were used to identify potential KC biomarkers. Results We identified 204 miRNAs in the AH of the KC group and 200 in the AH of the control group. Fourteen miRNAs were differentially expressed between the two groups; four miRNAs were upregulated and 10 downregulated in KC AH. The possible pathways regulated by the DE miRNAs included antigen processing and presentation, endocytosis, mismatch repair, and Hippo signaling. The AH concentrations of miR-222-3p, miR-363-3p, and miR-423-5p exhibited areas under the curves of 1. Conclusions We profiled the DE miRNAs of the AH of KC eyes. These miRNAs may be associated with KC pathogenesis and could serve as KC biomarkers. Translational Relevance Data on aberrantly expressed miRNAs in KC combined with bioinformatics analyses suggest possible roles for specific miRNAs. The DE miRNAs may serve as diagnostic KC biomarkers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yingjie Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai JiaoTong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, Shanghai, China
| | - Danyang Che
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai JiaoTong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, Shanghai, China
| | - Yiting Cao
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai JiaoTong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, Shanghai, China
| | - Yu Yue
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing Key Lab of Ophthalmology, Chongqing Eye Institute, Chongqing Branch of National Clinical Research Center for Ocular Diseases, Chongqing, China
| | - Tianrui He
- Shanghai JiaoTong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yi Zhu
- Aier Institute of Optometry and Vision Science, Changsha, China,Shanghai Aier Eye Hospital, Shanghai, China
| | - Jibo Zhou
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai JiaoTong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, Shanghai, China
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Hypertension secondary to nitric oxide depletion produces oxidative imbalance and inflammatory/fibrotic outcomes in the cornea of C57BL/6 mice. J Physiol Biochem 2022; 78:915-932. [PMID: 35943663 PMCID: PMC9684300 DOI: 10.1007/s13105-022-00916-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2022] [Accepted: 07/28/2022] [Indexed: 10/15/2022]
Abstract
Arterial hypertension (AH) leads to oxidative and inflammatory imbalance that contribute to fibrosis development in many target organs. Here, we aimed to highlight the harmful effects of severe AH in the cornea. Our experimental model was established by administration of NG-nitro-L-arginine-methyl-ester (L-NAME) to C57BL/6 mice, which were monitored weekly for arterial blood pressure and intraocular pressure (IOP). Morphological studies of ocular tissues were accompanied by analyses of reactive oxygen species generation, and localization/expression of NAPDH oxidase isoforms (NOX1, NOX2, NOX4) and inflammatory biomarkers (PPARα, PPARγ, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-10, TNF-α, and COX-2). Masson's trichrome and Sirius Red staining were used to explore the fibrotic status of the cornea. The expression of collagen isoforms (COL1α1, COL1α2, COL3α1, COL4α1, COL4α2) and relevant metalloproteinases (MMPs) and their tissue inhibitors (TIMPs) were also quantified to evaluate the participation of collagen metabolism in AH-related corneal damage. Hypertensive animals showed an increase in IOP values, and a thinner cornea compared with normotensive controls. Moreover, AH increased NADPH oxidase activity and reactive oxygen species generation in the cornea, which was accompanied by transcriptional upregulation of NOX isoforms and inflammatory biomarkers, while reducing PPAR expression. L-NAME-treated animals also developed corneal fibrosis with overexpression of collagen isoforms and reduction of factors responsible for collagen degradation. This is the first study reporting structural changes in the cornea and elevated IOP in L-NAME-treated mice. Overexpression of the NADPH oxidase system and collagen deposition might play a substantial role in the pathogenic mechanisms contributing to ocular disturbances in a context of severe hypertension.
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Study on the Mechanism of Mesaconitine-Induced Hepatotoxicity in Rats Based on Metabonomics and Toxicology Network. Toxins (Basel) 2022; 14:toxins14070486. [PMID: 35878224 PMCID: PMC9322933 DOI: 10.3390/toxins14070486] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2022] [Revised: 07/11/2022] [Accepted: 07/13/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Mesaconitine (MA), one of the main diterpenoid alkaloids in Aconitum, has a variety of pharmacological effects, such as analgesia, anti-inflammation and relaxation of rat aorta. However, MA is a highly toxic ingredient. At present, studies on its toxicity are mainly focused on the heart and central nervous system, and there are few reports on the hepatotoxic mechanism of MA. Therefore, we evaluated the effects of MA administration on liver. SD rats were randomly divided into a normal saline (NS) group, a low-dose MA group (0.8 mg/kg/day) and a high-dose MA group (1.2 mg/kg/day). After 6 days of administration, the toxicity of MA on the liver was observed. Metabolomic and network toxicology methods were combined to explore the effect of MA on the liver of SD rats and the mechanism of hepatotoxicity in this study. Through metabonomics study, the differential metabolites of MA, such as L-phenylalanine, retinyl ester, L-proline and 5-hydroxyindole acetaldehyde, were obtained, which involved amino acid metabolism, vitamin metabolism, glucose metabolism and lipid metabolism. Based on network toxicological analysis, MA can affect HIF-1 signal pathway, MAPK signal pathway, PI3K-Akt signal pathway and FoxO signal pathway by regulating ALB, AKT1, CASP3, IL2 and other targets. Western blot results showed that protein expression of HMOX1, IL2 and caspase-3 in liver significantly increased after MA administration (p < 0.05). Combined with the results of metabonomics and network toxicology, it is suggested that MA may induce hepatotoxicity by activating oxidative stress, initiating inflammatory reaction and inducing apoptosis.
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