Integration of pharmacodynamics and metabolomics to reveal rhubarb anthraquinone protection against nonalcoholic fatty liver disease rat model

Abstract Objectives The objective of the present study was to investigate the effect of Rhubarb anthraquinone (RA) on a high-fat diet (HFD)-induced nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) rat model, and explore potential biomarker and metabolic pathways by using the metabolomics method. Materials and methods We established HFD rats as the NAFLD model. Forty Sprague–Dawley rats were randomly divided into a control group, model group, RA low-dose group, RA medium-dose group, and RA high-dose group, and evaluated the protective effect of RA on NAFLD by detecting biochemical indicators of serum and pathological changes of liver tissue. Investigating potential biomarkers and metabolic pathways connected with RA’s protective effects against NAFLD by UHPLC–Q-TOF-MS untargeted metabolomics. Results The results showed that RA significantly reversed the increase of TG, TC, ALT, AST, and ALP (P < .05), the decrease of HDL-C (P < .05), and alleviated pathological conditions in NAFLD rats. Based on potential biomarker analysis, RA affected metabolic pathways such as fatty acids biosynthesis, bile acids biosynthesis, and pentose phosphate pathway, delaying the progression of NAFLD. Conclusion RA improved blood lipid levels, liver function, and pathological conditions of NAFLD rats. Meanwhile, affected the metabolic pathways and regulated the synthesis of fatty acids and bile acids in NAFLD rats.