Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry-based metabolomics study of the protective mechanism of Shenji Guben decoction on chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Objective: To investigate the mechanisms of the effect of Shenji Guben (SJGB) decoction on chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Methods: A murine model of COPD was established through lipopolysaccharide (LPS) nasal drops and passive smoke exposure, followed by evaluation of SJGB decoction efficacy via lung function tests and histological analysis. Non-targeted liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS)-based metabolomics was used to explore the mechanisms of SJGB decoction in COPD.

Results: We found that the SJGB decoction effectively reduced inflammatory cell infiltration in the airways and lungs, and improved lung function in the COPD model mice. LC-MS-based metabolomics identified 86 biomarkers in COPD models. Compared to the model group, SJGB decoction significantly altered 34 metabolites. Prostaglandin E2 and DL-Citrulline were highlighted as two representative differential metabolites. MetaboAnalyst 5.0 highlighted glycerophospholipid and riboflavin metabolisms as key pathways affected by SJGB decoction.

Conclusion: This study evaluated the protective effect of SJGB decoction against COPD and provided insights into its potential mechanisms in COPD treatment.