Dynamic changes of key metabolites during liver fibrosis in rats

The Metabolomic Footprint of Liver Fibrosis

Both experimental and clinical liver fibrosis leave a metabolic footprint that can be uncovered and defined using metabolomic approaches. Metabolomics combines pattern recognition algorithms with analytical chemistry, in particular, 1H and 13C nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR), gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and various liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) platforms. The analysis of liver fibrosis by each of these methodologies is reviewed separately. Surprisingly, there was little general agreement between studies within each of these three groups and also between groups. The metabolomic footprint determined by NMR (two or more hits between studies) comprised elevated lactate, acetate, choline, 3-hydroxybutyrate, glucose, histidine, methionine, glutamine, phenylalanine, tyrosine and citrate. For GC-MS, succinate, fumarate, malate, ascorbate, glutamate, glycine, serine and, in agreement with NMR, glutamine, phenylalanine, tyrosine and citrate were delineated. For LC-MS, only β-muricholic acid, tryptophan, acylcarnitine, p-cresol, valine and, in agreement with NMR, phosphocholine were identified. The metabolomic footprint of liver fibrosis was upregulated as regards glutamine, phenylalanine, tyrosine, citrate and phosphocholine. Several investigators employed traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) treatments to reverse experimental liver fibrosis, and a commentary is given on the chemical constituents that may possess fibrolytic activity. It is proposed that molecular docking procedures using these TCM constituents may lead to novel therapies for liver fibrosis affecting at least one-in-twenty persons globally, for which there is currently no pharmaceutical cure. This in-depth review summarizes the relevant literature on metabolomics and its implications in addressing the clinical problem of liver fibrosis, cirrhosis and its sequelae.

Ganoderma lucidum ethanol extracts ameliorate hepatic fibrosis and promote the communication between metabolites and gut microbiota g_Ruminococcus through the NF-κB and TGF-β1/Smads pathways

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Ganoderma lucidum, a traditional edible medicinal mushroom, has been widely reported to improve liver diseases as a dietary intervention for people. Ganoderma lucidum extracts, primarily total triterpenoids (GLTTs), are one of the bioactive ingredients that have excellent beneficial effects on hepatic fibrosis. Therefore, its prevention and reversal are particularly critical due to the increasing number of patients with chronic liver diseases worldwide.

AIM OF THE STUDY

The study aimed to evaluate whether GLTTs had a hepatoprotective effect against hepatic fibrosis through metabolic perturbations and gut microbiota changes and its underlying mechanisms.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The compound compositions of GLTTs were quantified, and carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced hepatic fibrosis rats were used to investigate the cause of the improvement in various physiological states with GLTTs treatment, and to determine whether its consequent effect was associated with endogenous metabolites and gut microbiota using UPLC-Q-TOF-MSE metabolomics and 16S rRNA gene sequencing technology.

RESULTS

GLTTs alleviated physical status, reduced liver pathological indicators, proinflammatory cytokines, and deposition of hepatic collagen fibers via regulating the NF-κB and TGF-β1/Smads pathways. The untargeted metabolomics analysis identified 16 potential metabolites that may be the most relevant metabolites for gut microbiota dysbiosis and the therapeutic effects of GLTTs in hepatic fibrosis. Besides, although GLTTs did not significantly affect the α-diversity indexes, significant changes were observed in the composition of microflora structure. In addition, Spearman analysis revealed strong correlations between endogenous metabolites and gut microbiota g_Ruminococcus with hepatic fibrosis.

CONCLUSION

GLTTs could provide a potential target for the practical design and application of novel functional food ingredients or drugs in the therapy of hepatic fibrosis.

Serum infrared spectral profile is predictive of the degree of hepatic fibrosis in chronic hepatitis C patients

Assessment of liver fibrosis is crucial to guide the therapeutic strategy in patients with chronic liver disease. We investigated the potential of serum Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy for assessing the degree of hepatic fibrosis in patients with chronic hepatitis C (CHC). The study was conducted on dried serum samples from 94 CHC patients at different histological stages of hepatic fibrosis: METAVIR F0 (n = 20), F1 (n = 17), F2 (n = 20), F3 (n = 20) and F4 (n = 17). Transmission FTIR spectra were acquired in the 4000-400 cm-1 range. Wavenumbers were selected by genetic algorithm (GA) according to their diagnostic performance as assessed by a partial least squares discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) model using a training and a validation set to differentiate severe stages of fibrosis from mild or moderate ones. The GA procedure was applied 50 times on randomly selected sets. Furthermore, the best set of wavenumbers was re-tested in 1000 randomly selected validation sets. Wavenumbers selected by GA corresponded to functional groups present in lipids, proteins, and carbohydrates. This model allowed to identify patients with cirrhosis (METAVIR F4), patients with advanced fibrosis (METAVIR F3 and F4), and patients with significant fibrosis (METAVIR F2, F3 and F4), with AUROC (Area Under the Receiver Operating Characteristic) of 0.88, 0.85 and 0.85, respectively. Thus, serum FTIR spectroscopy appears to have a strong potential as a new diagnostic tool for assessing the degree of fibrosis in patients with chronic liver disease.

Influence of ursodeoxycholic acid on blood glucose, insulin and GLP-1 in rats with liver fibrosis induced by bile duct ligation

BACKGROUND

The prevalence of impaired glucose tolerance and diabetes is much higher in people with cirrhosis than that in the general population. However, there are inadequate concrete guidelines for the management of diabetes in these patients, particularly in the early stage. Bile aids (BAs) have been found to exert hormone-like functions in the control of lipid and glucose metabolism. We studied the effect of ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) on glucose levels in rats with cirrhosis induced by bile duct ligation (BDL).

METHODS

SD rats were divided into three groups: sham operation (Group A); BDL (Group B), and UDCA plus BDL (Group C). After 4 weeks, oral glucose tolerance tests were performed. Serum biochemical parameters and the levels of glucose, insulin, and glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) were measured. Histopathology of the liver and islet was observed. The gene expression of cholesterol 7α-hydroylase (CYP7A1), microsomal oxysterol 7a-hydroxylase (CYP7B1) in the liver, and Takeda G-protein-coupled receptor-5 (TGR5) in the intestine was determined by real-time PCR.

RESULTS

Compared with Group A, fasting glucose and 1-h and 2-h postprandial glucose levels increased slightly (all P > 0.05), 2-h postprandial insulin levels increased significantly (P < 0.05), 15 min postprandial GLP-1 levels decreased (P < 0.05) in Group B. Compared with Group B, fasting glucose and 1-h postprandial glucose levels decreased (all P < 0.05), 2-h postprandial insulin levels decreased (P < 0.01), and 15 min postprandial GLP-1 levels increased (P < 0.05) in Group C. After UDCA intervention, liver fibrosis induced by BDL was alleviated, and the islet areas were increased (P < 0.05). Compared with Group A, the mRNA expression of CYP7A1 and CYP7B1 in the liver increased, and the mRNA expression of TGR5 in the intestine decreased in Group B (all P < 0.05). Compared with Group B, the mRNA expression of CYP7A1 and CYP7B1 in the liver decreased, and TGR5 in the intestine increased in Group C (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

After 4 weeks of BDL, the rats developed liver fibrosis and abnormal glucose metabolism. UDCA administration improved liver fibrosis, increased islet area, decreased glucose levels, inhibited genes in BA synthesis, enhanced TGR5 gene expression in the intestine, and further improved islet function.

Folic acid protects against tuberculosis-drug-induced liver injury in rats and its potential mechanism by metabolomics

Observational study indicated that folic acid (FA) supplementation may protect against tuberculosis-drug-induced liver injury (TBLI). The aim is to investigate the effect and mechanism of FA on TBLI in rats. Liver injury was induced by a daily gavage of isoniazid (INH) and rifampicin (RIF) in the model and FA groups. Rats in the FA group were also treated with 2.5 mg/kg body weight FA. Rats in the control group were not treated. Eight rats were used in each group. The severity of liver injury was measured by the serum levels of hepatic enzymes and histological score. The metabolites in serum and liver tissues were analyzed by HPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS. FA treatment significantly reduced alanine aminotransferase and liver necrosis. Seventy-nine differential metabolites in the serum and liver tissues were identified among the three groups. N-acylethanolamines, INH and RIF metabolites, phosphatidylcholines, lysophosphatidylcholines, monoglycerides, diglycerides and bile acids were regulated by FA treatment, involving key metabolic pathways, such as N-acylethanolamine metabolism, INH and RIF metabolism, liver regeneration, inflammation alleviation and bile acid metabolism. RT-PCR and western blotting results confirmed the altered N-acylethanolamine metabolism and improved drug metabolism by FA. In conclusion, FA was protective against TBLI, which may be related to the regulation of N-acylethanolamine metabolism and drug detoxification by FA.

Integrated metabolomics and network analysis reveal changes in lipid metabolisms of tripterygium glycosides tablets in rats with collagen-induced arthritis

Tripterygium glycosides tablets (TGT) are the commonly used preparation for rheumatoid arthritis (RA). However, the changes in TGT on RA are still unclear at the metabolic level. This study aimed to reveal the biological processes of TGT in collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) rats through integrated metabolomics and network analysis. First, the CIA model in rats was established, and the CIA rats were given three doses of TGT. Then, the endogenous metabolites in the serum from normal rats, CIA rats, and CIA rats treated with varying doses of TGT were detected by UHPLC-QTOF-MS/MS. Next, univariate and multivariate statistical analyses were performed to find the differential metabolites. Finally, differential metabolites, metabolic pathways, and hub genes were analyzed integrally to reveal the biological processes of TGT in CIA rats. The paw diameter, arthritis score, immunoglobulin G (IgG) concentration, CT image, and histological assay showed that TGT had evident therapeutic effects on CIA rats. Untargeted metabolomics revealed that TGT could ameliorate the down-regulation of lipid levels in CIA rats. Four key differential metabolites were found including LysoP(18:0), LysoPA(20:4), LysoPA(18:2), and PS(O-20:0/17:1). The glycerophospholipid metabolic pathway was perturbed in treating CIA with TGT. A total of 24 genes, including PLD1, LPCAT4, AGPAT1, and PLA2G4A, were found to be the hub genes of TGT in CIA rats. In conclusion, the integrated analysis provided a novel and holistic perspective on the biological processes of TGT in CIA rats, which could give helpful guidance for further TGT on RA. Future studies based on human samples are necessary.

Gut microbiota combined with metabolomics reveal the mechanism of curcumol on liver fibrosis in mice

OBJECTIVE

Liver fibrosis is a reversible pathological process, and its prevention and treatment hold great significance for patients with chronic liver disease. This study combined 16S rRNA analysis of gut microbiota and serum metabolomics to explore the mechanism of curcumol's effect on liver fibrosis in mice. The results clarified the relationship between the gut microbiota and metabolites in the process of liver fibrosis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In this study, we randomly divided mice into a control group, a model group, and a curcumol treatment group to analyze the pathological changes in the liver tissue as well as the activities of the toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)/nuclear factory kappa B (NF-κB) signaling pathway and inflammatory factors, such as tumor necrosis factor (TNF), interleukin 6 (IL-6), and IL-8. The gut microbiota were analyzed by 16 S rRNA sequencing, and serum metabolites were examined by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) metabolomic analysis.

RESULTS

Molecular biological testing found that curcumol could significantly improve the pathological changes of the liver tissue and inhibit the occurrence of liver inflammation. Intestinal flora testing found that curcumol could significantly change the abundances of Veillonellaceae, Prerotella_oulorum, and Alistipes_finegoldii. Metabolomics analysis found that curcumol's antihepatic fibrosis effect may be related to its regulation of arachidonic acid metabolism. Correlation analysis suggested that curcumol regulated the abundances of Bacteroidota and Bacteroides and participated in the metabolism of Prostaglandin B2.

CONCLUSIONS

When liver fibrosis occurs, the intestinal flora and metabolic network are altered. The effect of curcumol on liver fibrosis may be related to its regulation of intestinal flora and the resulting interference with metabolic pathways, thereby reducing liver inflammation.

Phyllanthus emblica aqueous extract retards hepatic steatosis and fibrosis in NAFLD mice in association with the reshaping of intestinal microecology

Accumulating evidence suggests that dysregulation of the intestinal flora potentially contributes to the occurrence and development of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Phyllanthus emblica (PE), an edible and medicinal natural resource, exerts excellent effects on ameliorating NAFLD, but the potential mechanism remains unclear. In the present study, a mouse NAFLD model was established by administering a choline-deficient, L-amino acid-defined, high-fat diet (CDAHFD). The protective effects of the aqueous extract of PE (AEPE) on the gut microbiota and fecal metabolites in NAFLD mice were detected by performing 16S rRNA gene sequencing and untargeted metabolomics. The administration of middle- and high-dose AEPE decreased the levels of ALT, AST, LDL-C, TG, and Hyp and increased HDL-C levels in CDAHFD-fed mice. Hematoxylin–eosin (H&E), Oil Red O, and Masson’s trichrome staining indicated that AEPE treatment attenuated hepatic steatosis and fibrotic lesions. Moreover, the disordered intestinal microflora was remodeled by AEPE, including decreases in the abundance of Peptostreptococcaceae, Faecalibaculum, and Romboutsia. The untargeted metabolomics analysis showed that AEPE restored the disturbed glutathione metabolism, tryptophan metabolism, taurine and hypotaurine metabolism, and primary bile acid biosynthesis of the gut bacterial community in NAFLD mice, which strongly correlated with hepatic steatosis and fibrosis. Collectively, AEPE potentially ameliorates NAFLD induced by a CDAHFD through a mechanism associated with its modulatory effects on the gut microbiota and microbial metabolism.

Identification of key genes associated with the progression of liver fibrosis to hepatocellular carcinoma based on iTRAQ proteomics and GEO database

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE

Liver fibrosis (LF) often leads to cirrhosis and even hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), but the molecular mechanism remains unclear. The aims of the present study were to identify potential biomarkers for the progression of LF to HCC and explore the associated molecular mechanisms.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantitation (iTRAQ) was used to detect changes in the protein expression profiles of liver tissues and to screen the differentially expressed proteins (DEPs). The differentially expressed genes (DEGs) of LF rats and patients were screened by Gene Expression Database (GEO). Subsequently, the clinicopathological analysis of the overlapping genes in different pathological stages in HCC patients based on GEPIA database was conducted.

RESULTS

iTRAQ proteomic analysis revealed 689, 749 and 585 DEPs in the 6W, 8W and 12W groups, respectively. ALDH2, SLC27A5 and ASNS were not only the DEPs found in rats with LF with different stages but were also the DEGs related to the pathological stages and survival in patients with HCC.

CONCLUSIONS

ALDH2, SLC27A5 and ASNS were the potential biomarkers associated with the progression of LF to HCC.

Identification of ginsenoside metabolites in plasma related to different bioactivities of Panax notoginseng and Panax Ginseng

Although the chemical components of Panax notoginseng (PN) and Panax ginseng (PG) are similar, the bioactivities of them are different. In this study, the differential bioactivities of PN and PG were used as the research object. First, the different metabolites in the plasma after oral administration of PN and PG were analyzed by a UPLC-Q/TOF-MS-based metabolomics approach. Afterward, the metabolite-target- pathway network of PN and PG was constructed, thus the pathways related to different bioactivities were analyzed. As the results, 7 different metabolites were identified in PN group, and 10 different metabolites were identified in the PG group. In the PN group, the metabolite of N1 was related to hemostasis, N1 and N3 were related to inhibiting the nerve center, antihypertensive, and abirritation. The metabolites of N1, N3, N4, N5, and N6 were related to protecting the liver. The results showed that the metabolites of G1, G2, G3, G5, and G6 in PG group were related to anti-heart failure, and G1, G2, G6, and G9 were related to raising blood pressure. There were 13 signaling pathways related to different biological activities of PN (eight pathways) and PG (five pathways). These pathways further clarified the mechanism of action that caused the different bioactivities between PN and PG. In summary, metabolomics combined with network pharmacology could be helpful to clarify the material basis of different bioactivities between PN and PG, promoting the research on PN and PG.

Influence of Liver Cirrhosis on Blood Glucose, Insulin Sensitivity and Islet Function in Mice

BACKGROUND

The relationship between cirrhosis and diabetes is controversial. We studied the influence of cirrhosis on glucose levels and islet function and explored its possible mechanisms.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Cirrhosis was induced in male C57BL/6 mice by bile duct ligation (BDL). Serum biochemical parameters were determined, and oral glucose tolerance tests (OGTT) were performed at 4 and 8 weeks after BDL. Histopathology and phospho-NF-κB-p65/I-kappa B α immunohistochemical staining of the liver and islet were observed. The protein levels of the insulin signaling system and the gene expression of insulin-degrading enzyme (IDE) in the liver and muscle were determined. The activity of glucokinase (GCK) and glucose 6-phosphatase (G6P) and glycogen levels in liver homogenates were measured.

RESULTS

After BDL, the mice developed cirrhosis, and fasting glucose decreased significantly, but 2 h postprandial glucose increased, and the insulin areas under the curves increased. At 4 weeks of BDL, the ratios of phospho-NF-κB-p65/I-kappa B α accumulation in the liver and islet increased, the activity of G6P and the glycogen content in liver homogenates decreased, the insulin signaling system and the gene expression of IDE in the liver was downregulated, and the islet areas were decreased. After 8 weeks, these changes were more severe.

CONCLUSIONS

In different periods of cirrhosis, the levels of fasting glucose and 2 h postprandial glucose changed in different amplitudes. Glycogen concentrations and the activity of G6P in the liver were decreased. The mice developed insulin resistance and the islet areas were decreased. The NF-κB pathway may play a role in the process.

Study on Hepatotoxicity of Rhubarb Based on Metabolomics and Network Pharmacology

Background

Rhubarb, as a traditional Chinese medicine, is the preferred drug for the treatment of stagnation and constipation in clinical practice. It has been reported that rhubarb possesses hepatotoxicity, but its mechanism in vivo is still unclear.

Methods

In this study, the chemical components in rhubarb were identified based on UPLC-Q-TOF/MS combined with data postprocessing technology. The metabolic biomarkers obtained through metabolomics technology were related to rhubarb-induced hepatotoxicity. Furthermore, the potential targets of rhubarb-induced hepatotoxicity were obtained by network pharmacology involving the above components and metabolites. Meanwhile, GO gene enrichment analysis and KEGG pathway analysis were performed on the common targets.

Results

Twenty-eight components in rhubarb were identified based on UPLC-Q-TOF/MS, and 242 targets related to rhubarb ingredients were predicted. Nine metabolic biomarkers obtained through metabolomics technology were closely related to rhubarb-induced hepatotoxicity, and 282 targets of metabolites were predicted. Among them, the levels of 4 metabolites, namely dynorphin B (10–13), cervonoyl ethanolamide, lysoPE (18:2), and 3-hydroxyphenyl 2-hydroxybenzoate, significantly increased, while the levels of 5 metabolites, namely dopamine, biopterin, choline, coenzyme Q9 and P1, P4-bis (5ʹ-uridyl) tetraphosphate significantly decreased. In addition, 166 potential targets of rhubarb-induced hepatotoxicity were obtained by network pharmacology. The KEGG pathway analysis was performed on the common targets to obtain 46 associated signaling pathways.

Conclusion

These data suggested that rhubarb may cause liver toxicity due to its action on dopamine D1 receptor (DRD1), dopamine D2 receptor (DRD2), phosphodiesterase 4B (PDE4B), vanilloid receptor (TRPV1); transient receptor potential cation channel subfamily M member 8 (TRPM8), prostanoid EP2 receptor (PTGER2), acetylcholinesterase (ACHE), muscarinic acetylcholine receptor M3 (CHRM3) through the cAMP signaling pathway, cholinergic synapses, and inflammatory mediators to regulate TRP channels. Metabolomics technology and network pharmacology were integrated to explore rhubarb hepatotoxicity to promote the reasonable clinical application of rhubarb.

Nuclear magnetic resonance-based plasma metabolomics revealed the protective effect of tea polyphenols on sulfur mustard-induced injury in rats

Tea polyphenols (TP) are the major antioxidant components from tea, which could be beneficial to oxidative stress injury, such as sulfur mustard (SM) exposure. However, the holistic efficacy of TP on SM poisoning remains unexplored and needs further investigation. In this study, Nuclear magnetic resonance(NMR)-based metabolomics along with multivariate statistical analysis was used to explore the metabolic alteration after SM injury and the protective mechanism of TP. Thirteen potential plasma biomarkers of SM injury were identified, which primarily related to synthesis of ketone bodies, arginine and proline metabolism, butanoate metabolism and alanine aspartate and glutamate metabolism. After TP pre-treatment, the biomarkers were mostly restored to normal levels, which suggested that TP provided effective protection against SM injury and might play its role by rebalancing disordered metabolism pathways. This work enhanced our comprehension of the metabolic profiling of SM injury and revealed the protective mechanism of TP.

Metabolomic and Lipidomic Biomarkers for Premalignant Liver Disease Diagnosis and Therapy

In recent years, there has been a plethora of attempts to discover biomarkers that are more reliable than α-fetoprotein for the early prediction and prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Efforts have involved such fields as genomics, transcriptomics, epigenetics, microRNA, exosomes, proteomics, glycoproteomics, and metabolomics. HCC arises against a background of inflammation, steatosis, and cirrhosis, due mainly to hepatic insults caused by alcohol abuse, hepatitis B and C virus infection, adiposity, and diabetes. Metabolomics offers an opportunity, without recourse to liver biopsy, to discover biomarkers for premalignant liver disease, thereby alerting the potential of impending HCC. We have reviewed metabolomic studies in alcoholic liver disease (ALD), cholestasis, fibrosis, cirrhosis, nonalcoholic fatty liver (NAFL), and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). Specificity was our major criterion in proposing clinical evaluation of indole-3-lactic acid, phenyllactic acid, N-lauroylglycine, decatrienoate, N-acetyltaurine for ALD, urinary sulfated bile acids for cholestasis, cervonoyl ethanolamide for fibrosis, 16α-hydroxyestrone for cirrhosis, and the pattern of acyl carnitines for NAFL and NASH. These examples derive from a large body of published metabolomic observations in various liver diseases in adults, adolescents, and children, together with animal models. Many other options have been tabulated. Metabolomic biomarkers for premalignant liver disease may help reduce the incidence of HCC.

Metabolic Signature of Hepatic Fibrosis: From Individual Pathways to Systems Biology

Hepatic fibrosis is a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, as it ultimately leads to cirrhosis, which is estimated to affect up to 2% of the global population. Hepatic fibrosis is confirmed by liver biopsy, and the erroneous nature of this technique necessitates the search for noninvasive alternatives. However, current biomarker algorithms for hepatic fibrosis have many limitations. Given that the liver is the largest organ and a major metabolic hub in the body, probing the metabolic signature of hepatic fibrosis holds promise for the discovery of new markers and therapeutic targets. Regarding individual metabolic pathways, accumulating evidence shows that hepatic fibrosis leads to alterations in carbohydrate metabolism, as aerobic glycolysis is aggravated in activated hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) and the whole fibrotic liver; in amino acid metabolism, as Fischer’s ratio (branched-chain amino acids/aromatic amino acids) decreases in patients with hepatic fibrosis; and in lipid metabolism, as HSCs lose vitamin A-containing lipid droplets during transdifferentiation, and cirrhotic patients have decreased serum lipids. The current review also summarizes recent findings of metabolic alterations relevant to hepatic fibrosis based on systems biology approaches, including transcriptomics, proteomics, and metabolomics in vitro, in animal models and in humans.

Metabolomics combined with network pharmacology exploration reveals the modulatory properties of Astragali Radix extract in the treatment of liver fibrosis

Background

Astragali Radix (AR) is widely-used for improving liver fibrosis, but, the mechanism of action has not been systematically explained. This study aims to investigate the mechanism of AR intervention in liver fibrosis based on comprehensive metabolomics combined with network pharmacology approach.

Materials and methods

UPLC–Q-TOF/MS based metabolomics technique was used to explore the specific metabolites and possible pathways of AR affecting the pathological process of liver fibrosis. Network pharmacology analysis was introduced to explore the key targets of AR regarding the mechanisms on liver fibrosis.

Results

AR significantly reduced the levels of ALT, AST and AKP in serum, and improved pathological characteristics. Metabolomics analysis showed that the therapeutic effect of AR was mainly related to the regulation of nine metabolites, including sphingosine, 6-keto-prostaglandin F1a, LysoPC (O-18:0), 3-dehydrosphinganine, 5,6-epoxy-8,11,14-eicosatrienoic acid, leukotriene C4, taurochenodesoxycholic acid, LysoPC (18:1 (9Z)) and 2-acetyl-1-alkyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine. Pathway analysis indicated that the treatment of AR on liver fibrosis was related to arachidonic acid metabolism, ether lipid metabolism, sphingolipid metabolism, glycerophospholipid metabolism and primary bile acid biosynthesis. Validation of the key targets by network pharmacology analysis of potential metabolic markers showed that AR significantly down-regulated the expression of CYP1B1 and up-regulated the expression of CYP1A2 and PCYT1A.

Conclusion

Metabolomics combined with network pharmacology was used for the first time to clarify that the treatment of AR on liver fibrosis, which is related to the regulation of arachidonic acid metabolism and ether lipid metabolism by modulating the expression of CYP1A2, CYP1B1 and PCYT1A. And the integrated approach can provide new strategies and ideas for the study of molecular mechanisms of traditional Chinese medicines in the treatment of liver fibrosis.