Non-Targeted Metabolomics Profiling and Anti-Inflammatory Potential of Star Anise Extract in Rats with Cold...

Area of Science:

• Pharmacology
• Toxicology
• Metabolomics

Background:

• Acute lung injury (ALI) is a severe condition often exacerbated by cold stress.
• The protective mechanisms of natural compounds against cold stress-aggravated ALI (CSALI) require further investigation.
• Star anise extract (SAE) is explored for its potential therapeutic effects.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the protective mechanism of star anise extract (SAE) against cold stress-aggravated acute lung injury (CSALI) in a rat model.
• To analyze the metabolic alterations associated with CSALI and the impact of SAE using metabolomics.

Main Methods:

• Establishment of a rat CSALI model using lipopolysaccharide and cold stress.
• Evaluation of SAE's preventive effects through cytotoxicity assays, biochemical analysis, and histopathology.
• Utilized UPLC-HRMS-based serum metabolomics to profile metabolic changes and identify key pathways.

Main Results:

• SAE significantly alleviated CSALI pathology, reduced inflammatory cell infiltration, and improved lung tissue injury.
• SAE normalized liver function indicators and decreased pro-inflammatory factors in serum and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF).
• Metabolomics identified 24 differential metabolites linked to arachidonic acid and glycerophospholipid metabolism, suggesting phospholipase A2 as a key regulatory factor.

Conclusions:

• Star anise extract (SAE) demonstrates significant anti-inflammatory activity and protective effects against CSALI.
• SAE modulates key metabolic pathways, including arachidonic acid and glycerophospholipid metabolism, to combat lung injury.
• These findings highlight SAE as a potential therapeutic agent for CSALI.