Metabolomics combined with metagenomics analysis reveals the potential mechanism of Zhejiang psyllium polysaccharides against hyperuricemia in rats

Abstract

Abstract This study aimed to assess the anti-hyperuricemia efficacy of Zhejiang psyllium polysaccharides (ZPP) in rats and to explore its underlying mechanism. Hyperuricemia was induced by intragastric administration of potassium oxonate, hypoxanthine, and adenine. The serum levels of uric acid (UA), creatinine (Cr), and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) were measured, and kidney pathology was examined. Serum metabolomics was employed to monitor metabolic alterations following ZPP intervention. Metagenomic analysis was conducted to investigate the impact of ZPP on the intestinal flora of hyperuricemia rats. The results showed that ZPP could significantly reduce the serum UA level in hyperuricemia rats and exhibited a certain renal protective effect. The metabolomics results indicated that ZPP regulates uric acid levels in rats with hyperuricemia and ameliorates renal pathological changes by modulating biomarkers associated with purine metabolism, amino acid metabolism, and lipid metabolism. Metagenomic research also found that ZPP could increase the relative abundance of uric acid metabolism-related probiotics, such as Limosilactobacillus reuteri and Lactobacillus murinus, thereby improving intestinal flora imbalance in rats with hyperuricemia.

Keywords

• Zhejiang psyllium
• Polysaccharide
• Hyperuricemia
• Metabolomics
• Metagenomics