UPLC-Q-TOF/MS-Based Metabolomics Approach to Reveal the Hepatotoxicity of Emodin and Detoxification of Dihydromyricetin

Abstract

Dihydromyricetin (DMY), an important flavanone found in Ampelopsis grossedentata, plays a protective role in liver injury. Our previous research found that DMY protected L02 cells against hepatotoxicity caused by emodin. In this study, serum, urine, and liver samples from rats were systematically used for biochemical analysis, pathological observation, and nontargeted metabolomics to evaluate the toxicity of emodin and DMY intervention. After oral administration of DMY, DMY may alleviate liver injury by improving liver metabolism. Approximately, 8 of 15 metabolites in rat urine and serum were significantly regulated by DMY. Metabolic pathway analysis showed that glutathione metabolism, pyrimidine metabolism, and tryptophan metabolism were the most affected pathways, and 18 proteins were predicted to be potential targets of DMY during the alleviation of liver injury induced by emodin. This research is of great significance in confirming the liver-protective effect of DMY, especially during acute liver injury caused by traditional Chinese medicine.