[Untargeted metabolomics-based differential metabolite profiling for head and trunk of Scolopendra subspinipes...

To delve into the metabolite differences between the head and trunk of Scolopendra subspinipes mutilans, this study employed untargeted metabolomics techniques and UPLC-MS/MS to detect metabolites in the heads and trunks of both male and female individuals. A total of 482 metabolites were detected and identified, covering multiple categories including lipids and lipid molecules, organic acids and their derivatives, and benzene compounds. Principal component analysis revealed a clear distinction in the metabolic profiles between the head and trunk. Based on orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis, 224 differential metabolites were identified between the head and trunk of males, and 225 in females, among which 187 were common differential metabolites, primarily consisting of lipids and lipid molecules as well as organic acids. KEGG pathway analysis indicated that these differential metabolites were significantly enriched in pathways such as α-linolenic acid metabolism, tryptophan metabolism, arachidonic acid metabolism, and serotonergic synapse. It was worth noting that metabolite abundance in the trunk was higher than that in the head overall, and bioactive compounds were more abundant in the trunk. This study provides important metabolomic data to support further exploration of the medicinal value and precise utilization of different body parts of S. subspinipes mutilans.