Integrated metabolomics and network pharmacology reveal the PI3K/Akt-mediated therapeutic mechanism of Abrus cantoniensis in lipid metabolism disorders

Background

Abrus cantoniensis (AC), a hepatoprotective herb, shows therapeutic potential for lipid metabolism disorders (LMDs), yet its mechanisms remain unclear.

Purpose

This study systematically explored AC’s efficacy and molecular mechanisms against LMDs by integrating metabolomics and network pharmacology.

Methods

An innovative combined strategy of in vivo animal experiments, metabolomics, network pharmacology, and molecular biology was created to study the pharmacological effects and mechanisms of AC against LMDs. The lipid disorder model was successfully induced in C57BL/6J mice by a 12-week high-fat diet (HFD), exhibiting hallmark dyslipidemia. HFD-fed C57BL/6J mice were treated orally with AC and its effects on serum lipid profiles (TC, TG, HDL-C, LDL-C), hepatic lipid accumulation, liver function markers (ALT, AST), indicators of inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α), and oxidative stress (MDA, MPO, SOD) were evaluated. Histopathological analysis by oil red-O and H&E staining assessed hepatic steatosis and oxidative damage. Untargeted metabolomics identified AC-modulated metabolites and associated pathways. Constituents absorbed into blood of AC were identified using ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-QTOF/MS) then characterized by network pharmacology prediction of key targets and molecular docking validation. Critical pathways (PI3K/Akt/mTOR) and downstream effectors were verified by RT-qPCR and western blot.

Results

AC significantly reduced dyslipidemia, suppressed pro-inflammatory cytokines, and restored oxidative balance (decreased MDA and MPO, increased SOD) in HFD-fed mice. Histopathology demonstrated reduced lipid deposition and hepatocellular damage. Metabolomics revealed 18 differentially produced metabolites enriched in steroid hormone biosynthesis pathways and glycerophospholipid metabolism consistent with AC-mediated lipid homeostasis. 22 AC-derived components were identified, with luteolin, acacetin, quercetin, and schaftoside exhibiting high-affinity binding to core targets (PIK3R1, PIK3CA, and SRC) in molecular docking experiments. Mechanistically, AC inhibited PI3K/Akt/mTOR activation, downregulated SREBP-1-dependent lipogenesis (reduced ACC1 and FAS expression), and attenuated NF-κB-driven inflammation, thereby modulating lipid metabolism and fatty acid synthesis.

Conclusions

AC ameliorates LMDs through multi-target modulation of PI3K/Akt signaling and metabolic-inflammatory crosstalk, offering novel insights into its application as a phytotherapeutic agent for suppressing metabolic syndrome, inflammation and oxidative stress. This highlights the translational promise of phytotherapy and nutraceutical development in bridging traditional medicinal knowledge with evidence-based therapies for multifactorial health challenges.