Metabolomics Analysis Reveals That Anoectochilus roxburghii Extract Enhances Immunity in Immunosuppressed Rats by Modulating Lipid Metabolism and Amino Acid Metabolism

Area of Science:

• Immunology
• Metabolomics
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Anoectochilus roxburghii (AR) is known for immunomodulatory properties.
• The precise mechanisms underlying AR's immune-enhancing effects remain unclear.
• Cyclophosphamide (CTX) is commonly used to induce immunosuppression in animal models.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the metabolomic changes and therapeutic effects of AR in CTX-induced immunosuppressed rats.
• To elucidate the underlying mechanisms of AR's immunomodulatory activity.

Main Methods:

• A gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS)-based metabolomics approach was utilized.
• Histopathological and biochemical analyses were performed alongside metabolomics.
• Rats were divided into control, model (CTX-induced immunosuppression), positive control, and AR-treated groups.

Main Results:

• AR treatment restored spleen and thymus indices in immunosuppressed rats.
• AR normalized elevated levels of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-2 (IL-2), and increased interleukin-10 (IL-10).
• Metabolomic analysis identified differential metabolites, with lactic acid, threonine, and palmitic acid positively correlated with immune organ indices.

Conclusions:

• Anoectochilus roxburghii extract demonstrates significant therapeutic effects in ameliorating CTX-induced immunosuppression.
• AR enhances immunity by modulating lipid and amino acid metabolism.
• The study provides mechanistic insights into AR's immunomodulatory actions.