Multi-omics analysis reveals Angelica sinensis-Carthamus tinctorius herb pair ameliorates diabetic retinopathy comorbid with depressive symptoms via the gut-eye-brain axis

Abstract

Background

Diabetic retinopathy (DR) comorbid with depressive symptoms represents a significant public health challenge. The limitations of monotherapeutic approaches and the complex interplay between DR and depression highlight the need for comprehensive, integrated treatment strategies.

Purpose

This study aimed to explore the therapeutic efficacy and underlying mechanisms of the Angelica sinensis-Carthamus tinctorius herb pair (ACHP) in addressing DR comorbid with depressive symptoms, utilizing an integrative multi-omics approach.

Methods

The chemical composition of ACHP was characterized using UPLC-MS. A DR mouse model exhibiting depressive-like behaviors was established through streptozotocin induction and long-term social isolation. The therapeutic effects and mechanisms of ACHP were evaluated using immunofluorescence, qRT-PCR, ELISA, non-targeted metabolomics, and 16S rRNA sequencing. Correlation analysis was conducted to elucidate the relationships among gut and ocular microbiota, serum metabolites, and clinical indices related to DR and depressive symptoms.

Results

ACHP treatment significantly alleviated hyperglycemia, retinal thinning, and depressive-like behaviors in the model mice. Multi-omics analysis revealed that ACHP restored gut microbiota balance by increasing beneficial Lactobacillus and reducing pathogenic genera such as Dubosiella and Faecalibaculum, while also reshaping ocular microbiota by suppressing pro-inflammatory Achromobacter and Pseudomonas. ACHP enhanced intestinal barrier integrity through upregulation of occludin, ZO-1 and MUC-2 and attenuated systemic and neuroinflammatory responses by reducing levels of LPS, TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β. Metabolomic profiling revealed that ACHP normalized glycerophospholipid metabolism—crucial for reducing inflammation and oxidative stress—specifically by inhibiting PLA2 and COX-2 while upregulating PPARγ. Correlation network analysis further emphasized the interactions among gut/ocular microbiota, inflammatory markers, and metabolites, highlighting the central role of the gut-eye-brain axis.

Conclusion

These findings demonstrate that ACHP alleviates DR-depression comorbidity by synergistically targeting microbial dysbiosis, metabolic dysregulation, and inflammatory cascades across the gut-eye-brain axis. This study provides a novel, holistic therapeutic strategy rooted in traditional Chinese medicine, offering new insights into treating complex comorbid conditions.