Mechanisms of Liupao Tea in Ameliorating Atherosclerosis in Rats Based on UPLC-Q-TOF/MS Metabolomics Technology

Abstract:

[Objective] This study aimed to investigate the mechanisms through which Liupao tea (LP) ameliorated atherosclerosis (AS) in rats based on ultra high performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole-time of flight-mass spectrometry (UPLC-Q-TOF/MS) metabolomics technology. [Method] A rat model of AS was established by a high-fat diet combined with intraperitoneal injection of vitamin D ₃. The rats were assigned into the following groups: control, model, simvastatin, low-dose LP, and high-dose LP. After intervention for 12 weeks, histopathological changes in the aorta, liver, and colon were assessed by hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining. Urinary differential metabolites were analyzed via untargeted metabolomics. Metabolomic findings were integrated with network pharmacology to identify active components and core targets. [Result] LP significantly alleviated aortic medial thickening, hepatic steatosis, and colon injury. Metabolomic analysis identified 379 differential metabolites, among which 84.7% of altered metabolites were reversed by LP. Notably, angiotensin IV and heparan sulfate were significantly upregulated and enriched in the renin-angiotensin system, glycosaminoglycan degradation, and proteoglycan pathway in cancer. Network pharmacology screened out 127 active components (mainly including polyphenols and alkaloids) and 8 core targets (MAPK1, MAPK8, MAPK14, BCL2, CASP3, RELA, STAT1, and HDAC1). KEGG pathway analysis revealed involvement in metabolic pathways, lipid and atherosclerosis, and fluid shear stress and atherosclerosis. [Conclusion] LP ameliorates AS through a component-target-pathway network that collectively modulates vascular function, inhibits inflammation and oxidative stress, and alleviates metabolic disorders. These findings provide a scientific basis for the application of tea in preventing AS.