Effect on serum metabolomics of rats with premature ovarian insufficiency by Zhibian(BL54) through Shuidao(ST28) acupuncture

OBJECTIVE:To analyze the serum metabolic targets of the"Zhibian(BL54)through Shuidao(ST28)"acupuncture technique in cyclophosphamide(CTX)-induced premature ovarian insufficiency(POI)model rats and to elucidate the potential molecular mechanism of acupuncture in improving POI.METHODS:We used an intraperitoneal injection of CTX to establish the POI rat model(POI group)and compared serum hormone levels and ovarian histopathological changes to evaluate the effect of the Zhibian(BL54)through Shuidao(ST28)technique(ZS+POI group)on ovarian function.Then,nontargeted metabolomics was performed using rat serum by ultra-performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry(UPLC-Q-TOF/MS).RESULTS:After acupuncture intervention,the serum hormone levels and ovarian pathological morphology of POI rats were effectively improved.Moreover,UPLC-Q-TOF/MS results showed that the ZS+POI group showed a significant reversal of the levels of 6 differential metabolites.Among them,the levels of four serum metabolic markers,divanillyltetrahydrofuran ferulate,trans-ferulic acid,tryptamine,and neuraminic acid,increased significantly.Further analysis of biological effects showed that all metabolites were involved in the regulation of reproductive hormone levels and antioxidant and antiapoptotic effects.CONCLUSIONS:The"Zhibian(BL54)through Shuidao(ST28)"acupuncture method may improve the ovarian function of POI rats by regulating serum metabolite markers to exert antioxidant and antiapoptotic effects,which provides a theoretical basis for the clinical application of acupuncture in the treatment of POI.