NMR-based Metabonomic Studies on Intervention Effects of Zuojin Pill on Stomach Heat Syndrome in Rats

Abstract

Zuojin Pill (ZJP), composed of Rhizoma Coptidis and Fructus Euodiae, is commonly used for the treatment of stomach heat syndrome (SH) in traditional Chinese medicine, but the underlying molecular mechanisms remain unclear. The present study was performed to investigate the protective effect and the potential mechanisms of ZJP at metabolic level in a rat model of SH. Proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H NMR) based metabonomic approach was developed to profile SH-related metabolic perturbations in rat urine and feces. Distinct clustering and a clear separation of the model group from control and ZJP groups was observed. Furthermore, seven and five potential biomarkers associated with SH in rat urine and feces, respectively, which were mainly involved in energy metabolism and gut microbiota metabolism, were identified. ZJP could reverse the pathological process of SH through regulating the perturbed metabolic pathways. These findings offered new insights into in-depth understanding of the pathogenesis of SH and laid scientific foundation for the traditional use of ZJP in treating SH-related gastrointestinal diseases.