Dissect new mechanistic insights for geniposide efficacy on the hepatoprotection using multiomics approach

Molecular mechanism and therapeutic strategy of bile acids in Alzheimer's disease from the emerging perspective of the microbiota-gut-brain axis

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by the accumulation of amyloid-β outside neurons and Tau protein inside neurons. Various pathological mechanisms are implicated in AD, including brain insulin resistance, neuroinflammation, and endocrinal dysregulation of adrenal corticosteroids. These factors collectively contribute to neuronal damage and destruction. Recently, bile acids (BAs), which are metabolites of cholesterol, have shown neuroprotective potential against AD by targeting the above pathological changes. BAs can enter the systematic circulation and cross the blood-brain barrier, subsequently exerting neuroprotective effects by targeting several endogenous receptors. Additionally, BAs interact with the microbiota-gut-brain (MGB) axis to improve immune and neuroendocrine function during AD episodes. Gut microbes impact BA signaling in the brain through their involvement in BA biotransformation. In this review, we summarize the role and molecular mechanisms of BAs in AD while considering the MGB axis and propose novel strategies for preventing the onset and progression of AD.

Indistinct assessment of the quality of traditional Chinese medicine in precision medicine exampling as safflower

The quality of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) guarantees its clinical efficacy. Although advanced analytical techniques and methods can accurately determine the content of chemical components in TCM, it is difficult to accurately determine its clinical efficacy. In addition, the current analytical methods and technologies are complex and have difficulty meeting the requirements of a rapid, accurate and convenient determination of TCM quality. In this study, we first propose the concept of "indistinct" evaluation of the quality of TCM, that is, combining biological potency with character evaluation, quantifying the character evaluation, and preparing the safflower quality grade evaluation card based on the character analysis, which provides research ideas and methods for the rapid and accurate evaluation of the quality of TCM. We determined the biological potency of different batches of safflower based on the in vitro antiplatelet aggregation model and divided the safflower samples into two grades based on the biological potency. We further collected the color information of different grades of safflower samples, quantified the color information of different grades of safflower, drew a quality grade evaluation card for the rapid judgment of safflower quality grade and verified its accuracy by pharmacodynamic evaluation. To further analyze the differences in the material basis of different grades of safflower, the LC-MS method was used to simultaneously determine the contents of 19 chemical components, such as myricetin, in different grades of safflower samples to analyze the differences in the material basis of different grades of safflower. The result shows that the different grades of safflower exhibited significant differences in color. The pharmacodynamic results show that the quality evaluation card prepared based on color information can accurately evaluate quality, and the effect of first-class safflower is significantly better than that of second-class safflower. The chemical analysis results of different grades of safflower show that there are also significant differences between them, among which hypericin, 6-hydroxyapin-6-O-glucose-7-O-glucuronide, 6-hydroxykaempferol-3,6-O-diglucoside-7-O-glucuronic acid glycoside, 6-hydroxykaempferol-3,6,7-tri-O-glucoside and hydroxysafflower yellow A exhibit significant differences, which may be the main differentiating components of different grades of safflower. This study preliminarily confirmed that the "indistinct" evaluation of the quality of TCM based on character analysis is accurate and scientific, and the quality evaluation card prepared can accurately judge the quality of TCM, providing a reference for the rapid application of TCM character evaluation.

Small molecule metabolites: discovery of biomarkers and therapeutic targets

Metabolic abnormalities lead to the dysfunction of metabolic pathways and metabolite accumulation or deficiency which is well-recognized hallmarks of diseases. Metabolite signatures that have close proximity to subject's phenotypic informative dimension, are useful for predicting diagnosis and prognosis of diseases as well as monitoring treatments. The lack of early biomarkers could lead to poor diagnosis and serious outcomes. Therefore, noninvasive diagnosis and monitoring methods with high specificity and selectivity are desperately needed. Small molecule metabolites-based metabolomics has become a specialized tool for metabolic biomarker and pathway analysis, for revealing possible mechanisms of human various diseases and deciphering therapeutic potentials. It could help identify functional biomarkers related to phenotypic variation and delineate biochemical pathways changes as early indicators of pathological dysfunction and damage prior to disease development. Recently, scientists have established a large number of metabolic profiles to reveal the underlying mechanisms and metabolic networks for therapeutic target exploration in biomedicine. This review summarized the metabolic analysis on the potential value of small-molecule candidate metabolites as biomarkers with clinical events, which may lead to better diagnosis, prognosis, drug screening and treatment. We also discuss challenges that need to be addressed to fuel the next wave of breakthroughs.

Quality Markers’ Discovery and Quality Evaluation of Jigucao Capsule Using UPLC-MS/MS Method

Jigucao capsules (JGCC) have the effects of soothing the liver and gallbladder and clearing heat and detoxification. It is a good medicine for treating acute and chronic hepatitis cholecystitis with damp heat of the liver and gallbladder. However, the existing quality standard of JGCC does not have content determination items, which is not conducive to quality control. In this study, serum pharmacochemistry technology and UNIFI data processing software were used to identify the blood prototype components and metabolites under the condition of the obvious drug effects of JGCC, and the referenced literature reports and the results from in vitro analysis of JGCC in the early stage revealed a total of 43 prototype blood components and 33 metabolites in JGCC. Quality markers (Q-markers) were discovered, such as abrine, trigonelline, hypaphorine and isoschaftoside. In addition, ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography–triple quadrupole mass spectrometry (UPLC-QQQ-MS) was used to determine the active ingredients in JGCC. The components of quantitative analysis have good correlation in the linear range with R2 ≥ 0.9993. The recovery rate is 93.15%~108.92% and the relative standard deviation (RSD) is less than 9.48%. The established UPLC-MS/MS quantitative analysis method has high sensitivity and accuracy, and can be used for the quality evaluation of JGCC.

Revealing the pharmacological effect and mechanism of darutoside on gouty arthritis by liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry and metabolomics

Darutoside is a diterpenoids compound with significant anti-inflammatory activity, however the pharmacological action and mechanism are still unclear. Metabolomics strategy was used to uncovering the pharmacological action and effective mechanism of darutoside against acute gouty arthritis rats. Liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry technique was performed to explore the serum metabolites and potential pathways. We found that darutoside can up-regulate the level of glutamate, alanine, chenodeoxycholic acid, 1-methyladenosine, aspartic acid, citric acid, and down-regulate the level of valine, isoleucine, glutamine, alanyl-threonine, pyruvic acid, gamma-aminobutyric acid, uric acid. Metabolic pathway analysis showed that the therapeutic effect of darutoside was involved in amino acid metabolism, sugar metabolism, fatty acid metabolism, energy metabolism, purine metabolism and butanoate metabolism. It indicated that darutoside protect against acute gouty arthritis by regulating the expression of the key protein targets. It revealed that the mechanism of darutoside on acute gouty arthritis, which may be leading to the changes of serum metabolites, metabolic pathways and key protein targets to improve immune system response, inhibit oxidative stress and inflammatory response. It provides a novel method for molecular mechanisms of natural product in the disease treatment.

Updated Pharmacological Effects, Molecular Mechanisms, and Therapeutic Potential of Natural Product Geniposide

At present, the potential of natural products in new drug development has attracted more and more scientists' attention, and natural products have become an important source for the treatment of various diseases or important lead compounds. Geniposide, as a novel iridoid glycoside compound, is an active natural product isolated from the herb Gardenia jasminoides Ellis (GJ) for the first time; it is also the main active component of GJ. Recent studies have found that geniposide has multiple pharmacological effects and biological activities, including hepatoprotective activity, an anti-osteoporosis effect, an antitumor effect, an anti-diabetic effect, ananti-myocardial dysfunction effect, a neuroprotective effect, and other protective effects. In this study, the latest research progress of the natural product geniposide is systematically described, and the pharmacological effects, pharmacokinetics, and toxicity of geniposide are also summarized and discussed comprehensively. We also emphasize the major pathways modulated by geniposide, offering new insights into the pharmacological effects of geniposide as a promising drug candidate for multiple disorders.

Chinmedomics Strategy for Elucidating the Pharmacological Effects and Discovering Bioactive Compounds From Keluoxin Against Diabetic Retinopathy

Keluoxin (KLX) is an active agent in the treatment of diabetic retinopathy (DR). However, its mechanism, targets, and effective constituents against DR are still unclear, which seriously restricts its clinical application. Chinmedomics has the promise of explaining the pharmacological effects of herbal medicines and investigating the effective mechanisms. The research results from electroretinography and electron microscope showed that KLX could reduce retinal dysfunction and pathological changes by the DR mouse model. Based on effectiveness, we discovered 64 blood biomarkers of DR by nontargeted metabolomics analysis, 51 of which returned to average levels after KLX treatment including leukotriene D4 and A4, l-tryptophan, 6-hydroxymelatonin, l-phenylalanine, l-tyrosine, and gamma-linolenic acid (GLA). The metabolic pathways involved were phenylalanine metabolism, steroid hormone biosynthesis, sphingolipid metabolism, etc. Adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK), extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase1/2 (ERK1/2), phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K), and protein 70 S6 kinase (p70 S6K) might be potential targets of KLX against DR. This was related to the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling and AMPK signaling pathways. We applied the chinmedomics strategy, integrating serum pharm-chemistry of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) with metabolomics, to discover astragaloside IV (AS-IV), emodin, rhein, chrysophanol, and other compounds, which were the core effective constituents of KLX when against DR. Our study was the first to apply the chinmedomics strategy to discover the effective constituents of KLX in the treatment of DR, which fills the gap of unclear effective constituents of KLX. In the next step, the research of effective constituents can be used to optimize prescription preparation, improve the quality standard, and develop an innovative drug.

A Hypothesis From Metabolomics Analysis of Diabetic Retinopathy: Arginine-Creatine Metabolic Pathway May Be a New Treatment Strategy for Diabetic Retinopathy

Diabetic retinopathy is one of the serious complications of diabetes, which the leading causes of blindness worldwide, and its irreversibility renders the existing treatment methods unsatisfactory. Early detection and timely intervention can effectively reduce the damage caused by diabetic retinopathy. Metabolomics is a branch of systems biology and a powerful tool for studying pathophysiological processes, which can help identify the characteristic metabolic changes marking the progression of diabetic retinopathy, discover potential biomarkers to inform clinical diagnosis and treatment. This review provides an update on the known metabolomics biomarkers of diabetic retinopathy. Through comprehensive analysis of biomarkers, we found that the arginine biosynthesis is closely related to diabetic retinopathy. Meanwhile, creatine, a metabolite with arginine as a precursor, has attracted our attention due to its important correlation with diabetic retinopathy. We discuss the possibility of the arginine-creatine metabolic pathway as a therapeutic strategy for diabetic retinopathy.

Therapeutic Effect and Mechanism of Si-Miao-Yong-An-Tang on Thromboangiitis Obliterans Based on the Urine Metabolomics Approach

Si-Miao-Yong-An-Tang (SMYAT) is a classic prescription for the treatment of thromboangiitis obliterans (TAO). However, the effect and mechanism are still unclear. This experiment aims to evaluate the therapeutic effect and mechanism of SMYAT on sodium laurate solution induced thromboangiitis obliterans model rats using urine metabolomics. The therapeutic effect of SMYAT was evaluated by histopathology, hemorheology and other indexes. The urine metabolomic method, principal component analysis (PCA) and orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA) were used for clustering group and discriminant analysis to screen urine differential metabolic biomarkers, and explore new insight into pathophysiological mechanisms of SMYAT in the treatment of TAO. SMYAT has significant antithrombotic and anti-inflammatory effects, according to the results of urine metabolomic analysis, and regulate the metabolic profile of TAO rats, and its return profile is close to the state of control group. Through metabolomics technology, a total of 35 urine biomarkers of TAO model were characterized. Among them, SMYAT treatment can regulate 22 core biomarkers, such as normetanephrine and 4-pyridoxic acid. It is found that the therapeutic effect of SMYAT is closely related to the tyrosine metabolism, vitamin B6 metabolism and cysteine and methionine metabolism. It preliminarily explored the therapeutic mechanism of SMYAT, and provided a scientific basis for the application of SMYAT.

Metabolomics Analysis Coupled With UPLC/MS on Therapeutic Effect of Jigucao Capsule Against Dampness-Heat Jaundice Syndrome

Dampness-heat Jaundice Syndrome (DHJS) is a complex Chinese medicine syndrome, while Jigucao capsule (JGCC) is an effective compound preparation of Chinese medicine for the treatment of DHJS about liver and gallbladder, but its mechanism is not clear yet. The purpose of this study is to clarify the pathogenesis of DHJS and the treatment mechanism of JGCC. We used ultra-high performance liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry (UPLC/MS) combined with pattern recognition, accompanied the advanced software and online database for the urine metabolomics of rats. The potential biomarkers disturbing metabolism were identified and the metabolic pathway was analyzed. We investigated the callback of biomarkers after treatment with JGCC. Finally, A total of 25 potential urine biomarkers were identified, including Arachidonic acid, Phenylpyruvic acid, L-Urobilin and so on, and 14 related metabolic pathways were disturbed. After treatment with JGCC, the clinical biochemical indexes and histopathological were significantly improved, and the disturbed biomarkers were also obviously adjusted. It is proved that JGCC has remarkable effect on the treatment of DHJS.

Geniposide Ameliorates Liver Fibrosis Through Reducing Oxidative Stress and Inflammatory Respose, Inhibiting Apoptosis and Modulating Overall Metabolism

Liver fibrosis is a progressive liver damage condition caused by various factors and may progress toward liver cirrhosis, and even hepatocellular carcinoma. Many studies have found that the disfunction in metabolism could contribute to the development of liver fibrosis. Geniposide, derived from Gardenia jasminoides J. Ellis, has been demonstrated with therapeutic effects on liver fibrosis. However, the exact molecular mechanisms of such liver-protection remain largely unknown. The aim of this study was to explored the effect of geniposide on metabolic regulations in liver fibrosis. We used carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄) to construct a mouse model of liver fibrosis and subsequently administered geniposide treatment. Therapeutic effects of geniposide on liver fibrosis were accessed through measuring the levels of hepatic enzymes in serum and the pathological changes in liver. We also investigated the effects of geniposide on inflammatory response, oxidative stress and apoptosis in liver. Furthermore, serum untargeted metabolomics were used to explore the metabolic regulatory mechanisms behind geniposide on liver fibrosis. Our results demonstrated that geniposide could reduce the levels of hepatic enzymes in serum and ameliorate the pathological changes in liver fibrosis mice. Geniposide enhanced the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) and decreased methane dicarboxylic aldehyde (MDA) levels in liver. Geniposide treatment also decreased the levels of interleukin (IL)-6, IL-1β, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-a) in liver tissue homogenate. Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP-biotin nick end labeling assay (TUNEL) staining demonstrated that geniposide could reduce the apoptosis of hepatocytes. Geniposide increased the protein expression of B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2) and downregulated the protein expression of Bcl-2 Associated X (Bax), cleaved-Caspase 3, and cleaved-Caspase 9. Serum untargeted metabolomics analysis demonstrated that geniposide treatment improved the metabolic disorders including glycerophospholipid metabolism, arginine and proline metabolism, and arachidonic acid (AA) metabolism. In conclusion, our study demonstrated the protective effects of geniposide on liver fibrosis. We found that geniposide could treat liver fibrosis by inhibiting oxidative stress, reducing inflammatory response and apoptosis in the liver, and modulating glycerophospholipid, and arginine, proline, and AA metabolism processes.

Liquid Chromatograph-Mass Spectrometry-Based Non-targeted Metabolomics Discovery of Potential Endogenous Biomarkers Associated With Prostatitis Rats to Reveal the Effects of Magnoflorine

Magnoflorine (Mag) has multiple pharmacological activities for the prevention and treatment of prostatitis. However, its molecular mechanisms andpharmacological targets are not clear. In this study, the ultra-performance liquid tandem mass spectrometry-based metabolomics method was used to clarify the intervention of Mag against prostatitis and the biological mechanism. A total of 25 biomarkers associated with the prostatitis model were identified by metabolomics, and a number of metabolic pathways closely related to the model were obtained by MetPA analysis. After given Mag treatment, the results of each indicator were shown that Mag alkaloid could inhibit the development of prostatitis effectively. We found that Mag had regulative effects on potential biomarkers of prostatitis model, which can regulate them to the control group. Our results indicated that alkaloids have an effective intervention therapy for prostatitis, and five types of metabolic pathways closely related to prostatitis model were obtained, including phenylalanine, tyrosine and tryptophan biosynthesis, phenylalanine metabolism, tyrosine metabolism, arginine and proline metabolism, glycine, serine and threonine metabolism, alanine, aspartate and glutamate metabolism. This study has provided the basic experimental data for the development of Mag in the prevention and treatment of prostatitis.

Properties and molecular mechanisms underlying geniposide-mediated therapeutic effects in chronic inflammatory diseases

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Geniposide (GE) is ubiquitous in nearly 40 species of plants, among which Gardenia jasminoides J. Ellis has the highest content, and has been used ethnopharmacologically to treat chronic inflammatory diseases. As a traditional Chinese medicine, Gardenia jasminoides J. Ellis has a long history of usage in detumescence and sedation, liver protection and cholestasis, hypotension and hemostasis. It is commonly used in the treatment of diabetes, hypertension, jaundice hepatitis, sprain and contusion. As a type of iridoid glycosides extracted from Gardenia jasminoides J. Ellis, GE has many pharmacological effects, such as anti-inflammatory, anti-angiogenesic, anti-oxidative, etc. AIM OF THE REVIEW: In this article, we reviewed the sources, traditional usage, pharmacokinetics, toxicity and therapeutic effect of GE on chronic inflammatory diseases, and discussed its potential regulatory mechanisms and clinical application.

RESULTS

GE is a common iridoid glycoside in medicinal plants, which has strong activity in the treatment of chronic inflammatory diseases. A large number of in vivo and in vitro experiments confirmed that GE has certain therapeutic value for a variety of chronic inflammation disease. Its mechanism of function is mainly based on its anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, neuroprotective properties, as well as regulation of apoptotsis. GE plays a role in the treatment of chronic inflammatory diseases by regulating cell proliferation and apoptosis, realizing the dynamic balance of pro/anti-inflammatory factors, improving the state of oxidative stress, and restoring abnormally expressed inflammation-related pathways.

CONCLUSION

According to its extensive pharmacological effects, GE is a promising drug for the treatment of chronic inflammatory diseases.

Geniposide suppresses liver injury in a mouse model of DDC-induced sclerosing cholangitis

Sclerosing cholangitis, characterized by biliary inflammation, fibrosis, and stricturing, remains one of the most challenging conditions of clinical hepatology. Geniposide (GE) has anti-inflammatory, hepatoprotective, and cholagogic effects. Whether GE provides inhibition on the development of sclerosing cholangitis is unknown. Here, we investigated the role of GE in a mouse model in which mice were fed with 3,5-diethoxycarbonyl-1,4-dihydrocollidine (DDC) for 4 weeks to induce sclerosing cholangitis. The results demonstrated that the increased hepatic gene expressions of pro-inflammatory (IL-6, VCAM-1, MCP-1, and F4/80) and profibrogenic markers (Col1α1, Col1α2, TGF-β, and α-SMA) in DDC feeding mice were reversed after treatment with GE. GE also suppressed expressions of CK19 and Ki67 in DDC-fed mice, suggesting that GE could ameliorate DDC-induced hepatocytes and cholangiocytes proliferation. In addition, GE significantly increased bile acids (BAs) secretion in bile, which correlated with induced expressions of hepatic FXR, BAs secretion transporters (BSEP, MRP2, MDR1, and MDR2), and reduced CYP7A1 mRNA expression. Furthermore, higher expressions of ileal FXR-FGF15 signaling and reduced ASBT were also observed after GE treatment. Taken together, these data showed that GE could modulate inflammation, fibrosis, and BAs homeostasis in DDC-fed mice, which lead to efficiently delay the progression of sclerosing cholangitis.

Bile Acids as Key Modulators of the Brain-Gut-Microbiota Axis in Alzheimer's Disease

Recently, the concept of the brain-gut-microbiota (BGM) axis disturbances in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD) has been receiving growing attention. At the same time, accumulating data revealing complex interplay between bile acids (BAs), gut microbiota, and host metabolism have shed new light on a potential impact of BAs on the BGM axis. The crosstalk between BAs and gut microbiota is based on reciprocal interactions since microbiota determines BA metabolism, while BAs affect gut microbiota composition. Secondary BAs as microbe-derived neuroactive molecules may affect each of three main routes through which interactions within the BGM axis occur including neural, immune, and neuroendocrine pathways. BAs participate in the regulation of multiple gut-derived molecule release since their receptors are expressed on various cells. The presence of BAs and their receptors in the brain implies a direct effect of BAs on the regulation of neurological functions. Experimental and clinical data confirm that disturbances in BA signaling are present in the course of AD. Disturbed ratio of primary to secondary BAs as well as alterations in BA concertation in serum and brain samples have been reported. An age-related shift in the gut microbiota composition associated with its decreased diversity and stability observed in AD patients may significantly affect BA metabolism and signaling. Given recent evidence on BA neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory effects, new therapeutic targets have been explored including gut microbiota modulation by probiotics and dietary interventions, ursodeoxycholic acid supplementation, and use of BA receptor agonists.

High-Throughput Metabolomics Discovers Metabolic Biomarkers and Pathways to Evaluating the Efficacy and Exploring Potential Mechanisms of Osthole Against Osteoporosis Based on UPLC/Q-TOF-MS Coupled With Multivariate Data Analysis

Postmenopausal osteoporosis (PMOP) is the most common metabolic bone illness among the elderly especially in postmenopausal women resulting from a reduction in bone mineral density, but there is no effective drug at present. The study was aimed at evaluating efficacy of osthole against osteoporosis using high-throughput metabolomics method. The blood samples for illustrating the pathological mechanism of PMOP and exploring the efficacy of osthole treatment (ST) were collected to perform metabolites and metabolic profiles and pathways analysis using ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-Q-TOF/MS) and pattern recognition methods. In addition, backbone weight, the bone density, and some vital biochemical indexes were also detected. A total of 28 metabolites were identified as biomarkers for ovariectomized-osteoporosis model, and ST could significantly regulate 19 of them including lysine, linoleic acid, 3-hydroxybutyric acid, prostaglandin F2a, taurocholic acid, LysoPC(15:0), l-carnitine, glucose, arginine, citric acid, corticosterone, ornithine, tryptophan, arachidonic acid, Cer(d18:0/18:0), glutamine, uric acid, 8-HETE, estriol, which mainly related with 13 metabolic pathways, such as linoleic acid metabolism, starch, and sucrose metabolism, arachidonic acid metabolism, alanine, aspartate and glutamate metabolism, arginine and proline metabolism, citrate cycle (TCA cycle), and arginine biosynthesis. The ovariectomized model (OVX) rats display a significant decrease bone density, TGF-β1, NO, and NOS level, and a significant increase bone weight, IL-6, TNF-α, and Ca 2+ level. These parameters in the ST rats were evidently improved as compared to the OVX group. ST effectively mitigated ovariectomy-induced osteoporosis in rats by affecting endogenous metabolite-related metabolic mechanism and showed the natural alternative with potential for the treatment of PMOP.

Metabolomics approach based on utra-performance liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry with chemometrics methods for high-throughput analysis of metabolite biomarkers to explore the abnormal metabolic pathways associated with myocardial dysfunction

Ultra-performance liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry-based metabolomics can been used for discovery of metabolite biomarkers to explore the metabolic pathway of diseases. Identification of metabolic pathways is key to understanding the pathogenesis and mechanism of disease. Myocardial dysfunction induced by sepsis (SMD) is a severe complication of septic shock and represents major causes of death in intensive care units; however its pathological mechanism is still not clear. In this study, ultrahigh-pressure liquid chromatography with mass spectrometry-based metabolomics with chemometrics anaylsis and multivariate pattern recognition analysis were used to detect urinary metabolic profile changes in a lipopolysaccharide-induced SMD mouse model. Multivariate statistical analysis including principal component analysis and orthogonapartial least squares discriminant analysis for the discrimination of SMD was conducted to identify potential biomarkers. A total of 19 differential metabolites were discovered by high-resolution mass spectrometry-based urinary metabolomics strategy. The altered biochemical pathways based on these metabolites showed that tyrosine metabolism, phenylalanine metabolism, ubiquinone biosynthesis and vitamin B6 metabolism were closely connected to the pathological processes of SMD. Consequently, integrated chemometric analyses of these metabolic pathways are necessary to extract information for the discovery of novel insights into the pathogenesis of disease.

Analytical strategies for the discovery and validation of quality-markers of traditional Chinese medicine

BACKGROUND

Quality control of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is the basis of clinical efficacy. Due to the complexity of TCM, it is difficult to unify the quality control, and hinders the further implementation of the quality standardization of TCM. As a new concept, quality-marker (Q-marker) plays a powerful role in promoting the standardization of quality control system of TCM.

HYPOTHESIS/PURPOSE

The present review aims to provide reference and scientific basis for further development of Q-marker and assist standardization of quality control of TCM.

METHODS

Extensive search of various documents and electronic databases such as Pubmed, Royal Society of Chemistry, Science Direct, Springer, Web of Science, and Wiley, etc., were used to search scientific contributions. Other online academic libraries, e.g. Google Scholars, Scopus and national pharmacology literature were also been employed to learn more relevant information about Q-marker.

RESULTS

Q-markers play vital role in promoting the standardization of quality control of TCM. The factors that affect the quality of TCM, the advantages and disadvantages of the analytical techniques commonly used in Q-marker research were reviewed, as well as the systematic research strategies, which were verified by practices.

CONCLUSION

The proposal of Q-marker not only provided a new perspective to break through the bottleneck of current quality control, but also can be used in the evaluation of pharmacological efficiency, therapeutic discovery, toxicology, etc. In addition, the Q-marker analysis strategies summarized in this paper is helpful to standardize the quality control of TCM and promote the internationalization of TCM.

Identification of the Perturbed Metabolic Pathways Associating With Renal Fibrosis and Evaluating Metabolome Changes of Pretreatment With Astragalus polysaccharide Through Liquid Chromatography Quadrupole Time-Of-Flight Mass Spectrometry

Renal fibrosis is glomerulosclerosis and renal tubulointerstitial fibrosis caused by the increase of interstitial cells and intercellular substances and the accumulation of extracellular matrix, and is a common pathological manifestation of renal disease progressing to end-stage renal failure. It has proved that Astragalus polysaccharide (AP) has curative effect on renal disease; however, its therapeutic mechanism on renal fibrosis is still unclear. Metabolomics approach provides an opportunity to identify novel molecular biomarkers. The purpose of this study is to study the changes of serum metabolic profile of rats with unilateral tubal ligation and replication of renal fibrosis model and the therapeutic effect of AP on it. The blood samples of rats in the control group, renal fibrosis model group, and AP treatment group collected on the 21st day were analyzed by metabolomics method based on UPLC-Q-TOF-MS. Principal component analysis (PCA) showed that clustering was obvious and significantly separated, and paired partial least squares discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA) was used for further analysis. Combined with the network databases such as HMDB and KEGG and a large number of literatures, 32 potential biomarkers related to renal fibrosis were preliminarily screened out and further verified by MS/MS secondary debris information. After pretreatment with AP, 20 biomarkers were significantly regulated, and correlated with phenylalanine, tyrosine, and tryptophan biosynthesis, phenylalanine metabolism, arachidonic acid metabolism, etc. It also revealed the metabolic changes of renal fibrosis and intervention effect of AP. These data uncover a link between metabolism and the molecular mechanism with potential implications in the understanding of the intervention effect of AP. Conclusively, UPLC-Q-TOF-MS-based metabolomics can be valuable and promising strategy to understand the disease mechanism and natural drug pretreatment.

High-throughput liquid chromatography mass-spectrometry-driven lipidomics discover metabolic biomarkers and pathways as promising targets to reveal the therapeutic effects of the Shenqi pill

Lipidomics, a branch of metabonomics, could provide a powerful technique for discovery of lipid molecules to reveal disease status and drug efficacy. The Shenqi pill (SQP) is a representative prescription for clinical application in the prevention and treatment of kidney-yang deficiency syndrome (KYDS). However, its effect mechanism is still not clear. This article aims to reveal the intervention effect of SQP on KYDS from the perspective of lipid metabolism. In this study, SQP was used to intervene in the rat model of KYDS, on the foundation of successfully replicating the rat model of KYDS induced by corticosterone. The MetaboAnalyst tool was used for analysis of the serum metabolic profile and pattern recognition of KYDS model, based on UPLC-SYNAPT-G2-Si-HDMS. Finally, twenty-two potential lipid biomarkers related to the KYDS model were characterized, and the effects of SQP on regulating potential lipid markers in serum of KYDS model were analyzed. There were 10 biomarkers and seven metabolic pathways closely related to SQP therapy for KYDS were found. The action mechanism and targets of SQP in treating KYDS were explored based on high-throughput lipidomics. This work could provide valuable data and scientific evidence in subsequent studies for the treatment of KYDS.

High-throughput metabolomics reveals the perturbed metabolic pathways and biomarkers of Yang Huang syndrome as potential targets for evaluating the therapeutic effects and mechanism of geniposide

High-throughput metabolomics can clarify the underlying molecular mechanism of diseases via the qualitative and quantitative analysis of metabolites. This study used the established Yang Huang syndrome (YHS) mouse model to evaluate the efficacy of geniposide (GEN). Urine metabolic data were quantified by ultraperformance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. The non-target screening of the massive biological information dataset was performed, and a total of 33 metabolites, including tyramine glucuronide, aurine, and L-cysteine, were identified relating to YHS. These differential metabolites directly participated in the disturbance of phase I reaction and hydrophilic transformation of bilirubin. Interestingly, they were completely reversed by GEN. While, as the auxiliary technical means, we also focused on the molecular prediction and docking results in network pharmacological and integrated analysis part. We used integrated analysis to communicate the multiple results of metabolomics and network pharmacology. This study is the first to report that GEN indirectly regulates the metabolite "tyramine glucuronide" through its direct effect on the target heme oxygenase 1 in vivo. Meanwhile, heme oxygenase-1, a prediction of network pharmacology, was the confirmed metabolic enzyme of phase I reaction in hepatocytes. Our study indicated that the combination of high-throughput metabolomics and network pharmacology is a robust combination for deciphering the pathogenesis of the traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) syndrome.

Comparative metabolomics unveils molecular changes and metabolic networks of syringin against hepatitis B mice by untargeted mass spectrometry

Untargeted metabolomics technology was used to discover the metabolic pathways and biomarkers for revealing the potential biological mechanism of syringin on hepatitis B virus. Serum samples were analyzed by ultra-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS)-based comparative metabolomics coupled with pattern recognition methods and network pathway. In addition, the histopathology, HBV DNA detection of liver tissue, and biochemical indicators of liver function change were also explored for investigating the antiviral effect of syringin. In comparison to the model group, the metabolic profiles of the turbulence in transgenic mice tended to recover to the same as the control group after syringin therapy. A total of 33 potential biomarkers were determined to explore the metabolic disorders in the hepatitis B animal model, of which 25 were regulated by syringin, and 8 metabolic pathways, such as phenylalanine, tyrosine and tryptophan biosynthesis, phenylalanine metabolism, arachidonic acid metabolism, glyoxylate and dicarboxylate metabolism, were involved. Syringin markedly reduced the liver pathology change, inhibited HBV DNA replication, and improved liver function. Amino acid metabolism is a potential target for the treatment of hepatitis B. The hepatoprotective effect of syringin may contribute to ameliorating oxidative stress and preventing protein and DNA replication. Comparative metabolomics is a promising tool for discovering metabolic pathways and biomarkers of the hepatitis B animal model as targets to reveal the effects and mechanism of syringin, which benefits the development of natural products and advances the treatment of diseases.

Untargeted metabolomics technology was used to discover the metabolic pathways and biomarkers for revealing the potential biological mechanism of syringin on hepatitis B virus.

Exploring the metabolic biomarkers and pathway changes in crucian under carbonate alkalinity exposure using high-throughput metabolomics analysis based on UPLC-ESI-QTOF-MS

The aims of this study is to explore the metabolomic biomarker and pathway changes in crucian under carbonate alkalinity exposures using high-throughput metabolomics analysis based on ultra-performance liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization-quadrupole time of flight-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-ESI-QTOF-MS) for carrying out adaptive evolution of fish in environmental exposures and understanding molecular physiological mechanisms of saline–alkali tolerance in fishes. Under 60 day exposure management, the UPLC-ESI-QTOF-MS technology, coupled with a pattern recognition approach and metabolic pathway analysis, was utilized to give insight into the metabolic biomarker and pathway changes. In addition, biochemical parameters in response to carbonate alkalinity in fish were detected for chronic impairment evaluation. A total of twenty-seven endogenous metabolites were identified to distinguish the biochemical changes in fish in clean water under exposure to different concentrations of carbonate alkalinity (CA); these mainly involved amino acid synthesis and metabolism, arachidonic acid metabolism, glyoxylate and dicarboxylate metabolism, pyruvate metabolism and the citrate cycle (TCA cycle). Compared with the control group, CA exposure increased the level of blood ammonia; TP; ALB; Gln in the liver and gills; GS; urea in blood, the liver and gills; CREA; CPS; Glu and LDH; and decreased the level of weight gain rate, oxygen consumption, discharge rate of ammonia, SOD, CAT, ALT, AST and Na⁺/K⁺-ATPase. At low concentrations, CA can change the normal metabolism of fish in terms of changing the osmotic pressure regulation capacity, antioxidant capacity, ammonia metabolism and liver and kidney function to adapt to the CA exposure environment. As the concentration of CA increases, various metabolic processes in crucian are inhibited, causing chronic damage to the body. The results show that the metabolomic strategy is a potentially powerful tool for identifying the mechanisms in response to different environmental exposomes and offers precious information about the chronic response of fish to CA.

We explore the metabolic biomarker and pathway changes accompanying the adaptive evolution of crucian subjected to carbonate alkalinity exposure, using UPLC-ESI-QTOF-MS, in order to understand the molecular physiological mechanisms of saline–alkali tolerance.

Metabolomics-driven identification of perturbations in amino acid and sphingolipid metabolism as therapeutic targets in a rat model of anorexia nervosa disease using chemometric analysis and a multivariate analysis platform

It is important to explore novel therapeutic targets and develop an effective strategy for the treatment of anorexia nervosa. In this work, serum samples were analyzed using ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole time-of flight mass spectrometry (UPLC/Q-TOF MS) coupled with chemometric analysis and multivariate analysis to obtain the metabolites and their corresponding pathways. In addition, knock-in and knock-down of the key enzyme in vivo was performed to verify the reliability of the obtained metabolic pathway, which is closely associated with the anorexia nervosa pathomechanism and the potential targets. There were significant differences in the biochemical parameters between the model group and the control group. A total of 26 potential biomarkers were identified to resolve the difference between the control and model rats, which were closely related to amino acid metabolism, sphingolipid metabolism, arachidonic acid metabolism, the citrate cycle, and so forth. According to the ingenuity pathway analysis, we further elucidated the relationship between the gene, protein, and metabolite alteration in anorexia nervosa, which are involved in cellular compromise, lipid metabolism, small molecule biochemistry, cell signaling, molecular transport, nucleic acid metabolism, cell morphology, cellular function and maintenance. Arginosuccinate synthetase (ASS) deficiency was accompanied by a significant downregulation of the β-endorphin and ghrelin in the animal models. The metabolites and pathways obtained using the metabolomics strategy may provide valuable information for the early treatment for anorexia nervosa.

It is important to explore novel therapeutic targets and develop an effective strategy for the treatment of anorexia nervosa.

Functional metabolomics using UPLC-Q/TOF-MS combined with ingenuity pathway analysis as a promising strategy for evaluating the efficacy and discovering amino acid metabolism as a potential therapeutic mechanism-related target for geniposide against alcoholic liver disease

Metabolomics has been used as a strategy to evaluate the efficacy of and potential targets for natural products.

High-throughput lipidomics analysis to discover lipid biomarkers and profiles as potential targets for evaluating efficacy of Kai-Xin-San against APP/PS1 transgenic mice based on UPLC-Q/TOF-MS

Lipid metabolism has a significant function in the central nervous system and Alzheimer's disease (AD) is an age-related senile disease characterized by central nerve degeneration. The pathological development of AD is closely related to lipid metabolism disorders. To reveal the influence of Kai-Xin-San (KXS) on lipid metabolism in APP/PSI transgenic mice and potential therapeutic targets for treating AD, brain tissue samples were collected and analyzed by high-throughput lipidomics based on UPLC-Q/TOF-MS. The collected raw data were processed by multivariate data analysis to discover the potential biomarkers and lipid metabolic profiles. Compared with the control wild-type mouse group, nine potential lipid biomarkers were found in the AD model group, of which seven were up-regulated and two were down-regulated. Orally administrated KXS can reverse the changes in these potential biomarkers. Compared with the model group, a total of six differential metabolites showed a recovery trend and may be potential targets for KXS to treat AD. This study showed that high-throughput lipidomics can be used to discover the perturbed pathways and lipid biomarkers as potential targets to reveal the therapeutic effects of KXS.

Geniposide plays anti-tumor effects by down-regulation of microRNA-224 in HepG2 and Huh7 cell lines

BACKGROUND/AIMS

Liver cancer is distinguished as an irredeemable disease. We detected the geniposide (GEN) in HepG2 and Huh7 cell lines.

METHODS

HepG2 and Huh7 cells were individually induced with GEN dilutions, and then they were transfected with microRNA (miR)-224 overproduction vector (miR-224 mimic) as well as the corresponding negative control (NC). Cell viability was detected with the CCK-8. The apoptotic rate was determined by the Annexin V-FITC/PI with flow cytometer. The migration or invasion rates were separately determined by migration assay or millicell hanging cell culture. The expression of miR-224 was quantified depending on qRT-PCR. Relative proteins were individually determined via western blot.

RESULTS

GEN treatment induced inhibition of HepG2 and Huh7 cells proliferation, migration and invasion but promotion of apoptosis. miR-224 was down-regulated by GEN. Transfection of miR-224 mimic led to high expression of miR-224, which partly rescued cancer cells survival by prohibiting cell apoptosis. Moreover, the production of Wnt/β-catenin and AKT proteins was notably reduced by GEN but increased by overexpressed miR-224.

CONCLUSION

GEN played anti-tumor roles by targeting miR-224 via blocking the Wnt/β-catenin and AKT cascades in the HepG2 and Huh7 cells.

Optimising low-dose methotrexate for rheumatoid arthritis-A review

Methotrexate at low doses (5-25 mg/week) is first-line therapy for rheumatoid arthritis. However, there is inter- and intrapatient variability in response, with contribution of variability in concentrations of active polyglutamate metabolites, associated with clinical efficacy and toxicity. Prescribing remains heterogeneous across population groups, disease states and regimens. This review examines current knowledge of dose-response of oral methotrexate in the setting of rheumatoid arthritis, and how this could help inform dosage regimens.

Novel applications of mass spectrometry-based metabolomics in herbal medicines and its active ingredients: Current evidence

Current evidence shows that herbal medicines could be beneficial for the treatment of various diseases. However, the complexities present in chemical compositions of herbal medicines are currently an obstacle for the progression of herbal medicines, which involve unclear bioactive compounds, mechanisms of action, undetermined targets for therapy, non-specific features for drug metabolism, etc. To overcome those issues, metabolomics can be a great to improve and understand herbal medicines from the small-molecule metabolism level. Metabolomics could solve scientific difficulties with herbal medicines from a metabolic perspective, and promote drug discovery and development. In recent years, mass spectrometry-based metabolomics was widely applied for the analysis of herbal constituents in vivo and in vitro. In this review, we highlight the value of mass spectrometry-based metabolomics and metabolism to address the complexity of herbal medicines in systems pharmacology, and to enhance their biomedical value in biomedicine, to shed light on the aid that mass spectrometry-based metabolomics can offer to the investigation of its active ingredients, especially, to link phytochemical analysis with the assessment of pharmacological effect and therapeutic potential. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Mass Spec Rev.

High throughput metabolomics-proteomics investigation on metabolic phenotype changes in rats caused by Radix Scrophulariae using ultra-performance liquid chromatography with mass spectrometry

Radix Scrophulariae, a traditional Chinese herb, is used to treat various diseases, including H₂O₂-induced apoptosis in cardiomyocytes, HaCaT cells, hyperuricaemia, and depression. This study screened metabolites, proteins and common pathways to better understand both the therapeutic effects and side effects of this herb. Methods: Untargeted metabolomics based on UPLC-TOF-MS, coupled with proteomics based on nano-UPLC-Q-Exactive-MS/MS, were used to investigate the effects of R. Scrophulariae in rats. Fifty-one identified metabolites in urine samples and 76 modulated proteins in liver tissue were potential biomarkers for R. Scrophulariae treatment. The biomarkers and common pathways involved were steroid hormone biosynthesis, drug metabolism-cytochrome p450, drug metabolism-other enzymes, pentose and glucuronate interconversions, and starch and sucrose metabolism. Some biomarkers were beneficial for treating diseases such as cancer, tuberculosis and isovaleric acidaemia, while other biomarkers caused side effects. Metabolomic and proteomic analyses of R. Scrophulariae-treated rats provided valuable information on the biological safety and efficacy of using R. Scrophulariae clinically.

Radix Scrophulariae, a traditional Chinese herb, is used to treat various diseases, including H₂O₂-induced apoptosis in cardiomyocytes, HaCaT cells, hyperuricaemia, and depression.

Exploring potential biomarkers of coronary heart disease treated by Jing Zhi Guan Xin Pian using high-throughput metabolomics

Coronary heart disease (CHD) is a relatively complex disease characterized by narrowing of the arterial lumen and reduction of blood flow to the heart. There is no effective early diagnosis and prevention method. Jing Zhi Guan Xin Pian (JZGXP) is a new preparation prepared from the effective extract of Guanxin II. It is made of five components of traditional Chinese medicine and functions by promoting blood circulation and removing blood stasis and is used for the treatment of CHD and angina pectoris. In our study, a CHD rat model was prepared using a high-fat diet combined with intraperitoneal injection of vitamin D3. Clinical biochemical indexes (TG, CHO and HDL-C), histopathology (coronary and myocardial tissue), electrocardiogram and cardiac indexes were used to evaluate the efficacy of JZGXP in the treatment of CHD model rats. UPLC-HDMS-based metabolomics techniques were used to find metabolic profiles, biomarkers and related metabolic pathways in CHD models and to evaluate the effects of JZGXP on them. At the same time, the targets of JZGXP for the treatment of CHD were analyzed. Our study ultimately identified 25 biomarkers associated with CHD models. Further studies found that these 25 biomarkers involved 9 metabolic pathways in the body and found that JZGXP can recall 21 biomarkers in the urine of model rats and these biomarkers involve nine metabolic pathways. Finally, the targets of JZGXP for the treatment of CHD were β-alanine metabolism and tyrosine metabolism, i.e. amino acids metabolism. This study showed that metabolomics technology is effective for exploring potential biomarkers associated with syndromes or diseases and the therapeutic mechanisms of a traditional Chinese medicine formulation.

Coronary heart disease (CHD) is a relatively complex disease characterized by narrowing of the arterial lumen and reduction of blood flow to the heart.

A UPLC-MS-based metabolomics approach to reveal the attenuation mechanism of Caowu compatibility with Yunnan Baiyao

Yunnan Baiyao (YNBY) is a well-known traditional Chinese medicine containing Caowu (Aconiti kusnezoffii radix, CW). However, the application of YNBY is limited by the toxicity of CW. Notably, CW is not used alone in YNBY, but is combined with other herbs in a formula for clinical use. In the present study, the compatibility of the protective effects and mechanism of YNBY with the potential toxicity of CW was investigated. After combining with other compatible herbs, the serum metabolic disorder induced by CW can be regulated. Using UPLC-MS-based metabolomics, 63 endogenous serum metabolites were identified as being associated with the potential toxicity of CW, 17 of which were regulated to normal levels when CW was combined with other compatible herbs in YNBY. These regulated metabolites were closely related to glycerophospholipid metabolism, glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI)-anchor biosynthesis, tyrosine metabolism, and primary bile acid biosynthesis metabolic pathways. This study aims to evaluate the attenuation mechanism of CW compatibility with YNBY.

Yunnan Baiyao (YNBY) is a well-known traditional Chinese medicine containing Caowu (Aconiti kusnezoffii radix, CW).

Applications and potential mechanisms of herbal medicines for rheumatoid arthritis treatment: a systematic review

In this review, we systematically discuss the role of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) disease treatment. TCM classifies the subtypes of RA through its own theoretical method, which is beneficial for more accurate diagnosis and treatment with Chinese herbal medicines (CHMs) that are more suitable for different syndromes. TCM mainly uses a flexible combination of CHMs to play an important role in RA treatment. The main components of these extracts can be subdivided into alkaloids, flavonoids, triterpenes, saponins and other compounds. Using a platform of transgenic and induced arthritis models, we explore the potential mechanisms of TCM against RA with the help of omics analysis techniques and methods. These mechanisms are mainly CHM and its extracts can inhibit RA patients and experimental animal models, including synovitis, vascular proliferation and bone injury; this involves many biological signal exchange targets and pathways. In conclusion, the role of TCM in RA treatment mainly involves reducing the expression and secretion of pro-inflammatory factors, thus decreasing the degree of abnormal immune response.

In this review, we systematically discuss the role of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) disease treatment.

Side effects of methotrexate therapy for rheumatoid arthritis: A systematic review

Methotrexate (MTX) is used as an anchor disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) in treating rheumatoid arthritis (RA) because of its potent efficacy and tolerability. MTX benefits a large number of RA patients but partially suffered from side effects. A variety of side effects can be associated with MTX when treating RA patients, from mild to severe or discontinuation of the treatment. In this report, we reviewed the possible side effects that MTX might cause from the most common gastrointestinal toxicity effects to less frequent malignant diseases. In order to achieve regimen with less side effects, the administration of MTX with appropriate dose and a careful pretreatment inspection is necessary. Further investigations are required when combining MTX with other drugs so as to enhance the efficacy and reduce side effects at the same time. The management of MTX treatment is also discussed to provide strategies for occurred side effects. Thus, this review will provide scholars with a comprehensive understanding the side effects of MTX administration by RA patients.

High-throughput system metabolomics method reveals new mechanistic insights of chlorogenic acid by using liquid chromatography coupled to high resolution mass spectrometry

It has increasingly been recognized that metabolism is highly interconnected with disease, and system metabolomics studies have aimed to discover metabolic biomarkers and analyze the pathways of metabolome phenotypes. To better understand the metabolic alteration related with disease, a urine metabolic profile using a high-throughput system metabolomics technology approach was applied to probe the underlying molecular mechanisms of alcohol-induced liver injury and the therapeutic effects of chlorogenic acid (CA). In this study, endogenous low-molecular-weight metabolites were characterized using liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (LC-MS). The acquired data was parsed by principal component analysis (PCA) and orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA) to identify potential biomarkers. A total of 19 biomarkers were identified in a model of alcohol-induced liver injury rats, and it was found that chlorogenic acid had a regulatory effect on 14 of them, associated with multiple metabolic pathways. Comprehensive pathway analysis suggests that CA has the ability to regulate abnormal metabolic states. In addition, accessory examinations such as biochemical analysis and histopathological observations were also performed that showed similar results. As a natural product agent against ethanol-induced liver injury, CA was validated in the rebalancing of a wide range of metabolic disorders. High-throughput system metabolomics represents a powerful approach for revealing new mechanistic insights of natural products.

High-throughput lipidomics reveal mirabilite regulating lipid metabolism as anticancer therapeutics

Altered lipid metabolism is an emerging hallmark of cancers. Mirabilite has a therapeutic effect on colorectal cancer (CRC); however, its metabolic mechanism remains unclear. This study aims to explore the potential therapeutic targets of mirabilite protection against colorectal cancer in APC^min/+ mice model. Oral administration of mirabilite was started from the ninth month, while the same dosage of distilled water was given to both the control group and the model group. Based on lipidomics, we collected serum samples of all mice at the 20^th week and used a non-targeted method to identify the lipid biomarkers of CRC. Compared with C57BL/6J mice, the metabolic profile of CRC model mice was significantly disturbed, and we identified that 25 lipid-related biomarkers, including linoleic acid, 2-hydroxybutyric acid, 6-deoxocastasterone, hypoxanthine, PC(16:1), PC(18:4), and retinyl acetate, were associated with CRC. According to the abovementioned results, there were six lipid molecules with significant differences that can be used as new targets for handling of CRC through six metabolic pathways, namely, linoleic acid metabolism, retinol metabolism, propanoate metabolism, arachidonic acid metabolism, biosynthesis of unsaturated fatty acids and purine metabolism. Compared with the model group, the metabolic profiles of these disorders tend to recover after treatment. These results indicated that the lipid molecules associated with CRC were regulated by mirabilite. In addition, we identified seven key lipid molecules, of which four had statistical significance. After administration of mirabilite, all disordered metabolic pathways showed different degrees of regulation. In conclusion, high-throughput lipidomics approach revealed mirabilite regulating the altered lipid metabolism as anticancer therapeutics.

Altered lipid metabolism is an emerging hallmark of cancers.

Serum metabolomics strategy for understanding the therapeutic effects of Yin-Chen-Hao-Tang against Yanghuang syndrome

Yin-Chen-Hao-Tang (YCHT), a classic Chinese herbal formula, is characterized by its strong therapeutic effects of liver regulation and relief of jaundice, especially Yanghuang syndrome (YHS). YHS is a type of jaundice with damp-heat pathogenesis, and it is considered a complicated Chinese medicine syndrome (CMS). The accurate mechanism for healing YHS has not yet been completely reported. The purpose of the current research is to investigate the expression of endogenous biomarkers in YHS mice and evaluate the clinical therapeutic effect of YCHT. Serum samples were analyzed using UPLC-Q/TOF-MS techniques in order to determine differential metabolites to elucidate the functional mechanism of YCHT on YHS through metabolite profiling combined with multivariate analysis. Simultaneously, the exact diversification of YHS mice was elucidated using blood biochemistry indexes and histopathological examination, and the results indicated that YHS is markedly improved by YCHT. Unsupervised principal component analysis (PCA) patterns were constructed to dissect the variances of metabolic profiling. Overall, 22 potential biomarkers were identified using a metabolomics approach based on an accurate MS/MS approach, clustering and distinguishing analysis. The present work demonstrates that the effectiveness of YCHT against YHS prompts distinct discrepancies in metabolic profiles by adjusting biomarkers and regulating metabolic disorders. A total of 15 metabolic pathways were involved in biological disturbance. This demonstrates that metabolomic techniques are powerful means to explore the pathogenesis of CMS and the therapeutic effects of traditional Chinese formulae.

The purpose of the current research is to investigate the expression of endogenous biomarkers in Yanghuang syndrome mice and evaluate the clinical therapeutic effect of Yin-Chen-Hao-Tang.

Advances in mass spectrometry-based metabolomics for investigation of metabolites

Metabolomics is the systematic study of all the metabolites present within a biological system, which consists of a mass of molecules, having a variety of physical and chemical properties and existing over an extensive dynamic range in biological samples. Diverse analytical techniques are needed to achieve higher coverage of metabolites. The application of mass spectrometry (MS) in metabolomics has increased exponentially since the discovery and development of electrospray ionization and matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization techniques. Significant advances have also occurred in separation-based MS techniques (gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry, capillary electrophoresis-mass spectrometry, and ion mobility-mass spectrometry), as well as separation-free MS techniques (direct infusion-mass spectrometry, matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-mass spectrometry, mass spectrometry imaging, and direct analysis in real time mass spectrometry) in the past decades. This review presents a brief overview of the recent advanced MS techniques and their latest applications in metabolomics. The software/websites for MS result analyses are also reviewed.

Metabolomics is the systematic study of all the metabolites present within a biological system, supply functional information and has received extensive attention in the field of life sciences.

Network pharmacology combined with functional metabolomics discover bile acid metabolism as a promising target for mirabilite against colorectal cancer

In this study, a combination of network pharmacology and metabolomics was used to explore the mechanism by which mirabilite regulates bile acid metabolism in the treatment of colorectal cancer.