Liver Metabolism Insights into the Anti-Hyperuricemia Effects of Polygonum cuspidatum in Mice

Abstract

At present, hyperuricemia (China) has shown a trend of high incidence and younger age, which has attracted widespread attention. Polygonum cuspidatum extracts are thought to have a role in regulating HUA (Hyperuricemia). Here, we use a combination of GC-TOF/MS-based and UPLC-MSMS-based metabolomic and lipidomic techniques, it was revealed that a Polygonum cuspidatum extract (1-(4-hydroxy-2-methoxy phenyl) -2-(4-hydroxy-3,5-dimethylphenyl) butane-1,2,3-triol) regulates the effect of HUA by altering the liver metabolism of HUA mice. The research results indicate that the anti-HUA activity of P. cuspidatum is closely related to pathways such as sugar metabolism, amino acid metabolism, and purine and pyrimidine metabolism. Participating in metabolic activities exerts antioxidant effects and alleviates UA (Uric acid) accumulation. Additionally, liver lipidomics studies have shown that the overall content of four major phospholipids (Phosphatidyl glycerol, Lysophosphatidyl glycerol, Phosphatidyl cholines, and phosphatidylcholine) and sphingomyelin lipids in sphingolipids are significantly upregulated, while the overall level of CER (Ceramide) lipids is reduced. This indicates that the anti-HUA effect of the components of P. cuspidatum is mainly related to improving glycerophospholipid metabolism and regulating the SM(sphingomyelin)-CER pathway, thereby reducing inflammation and abnormal liver metabolism, and further maintaining uric acid homeostasis. This study provides an in-depth mechanism analysis for the potential application of P. cuspidatum in the treatment of HUA, laying a foundation for the development and clinical application of related drugs.