UPLC-Q-TOF/MS-based metabonomics reveals mechanisms for Holothuria leucospilota polysaccharides (HLP)-regulated serum metabolic changes in diabetic rats

This study aimed to use metabolomic methods to explore how Holothuria leucospilota polysaccharides (HLP) improved metabolism disorders in the liver of Goto-Kakizaki (GK) rats with spontaneous type 2 diabetes. The results showed that HLP effectively improved the metabolic disorder. Based on KEGG functional analysis, five key biomarkers associated with bile acid metabolism were detected and screened (P < 0.05). The results of serum total bile acid levels and liver damage in diabetic rats further showed the regulatory effects of HLP on bile acid metabolism. The results of bile acid-related gene expression in the liver showed that HLP inhibited liver farnesoid X Receptor - small heterodimer partner (FXR-SHP) signalling and increased the expression of bile acid synthesis genes (P < 0.05). Our results explored the underlying mechanisms by which HLP accelerated cholesterol consumption to anti-hypercholesterolemia and anti-diabetic by inhibiting liver FXR-SHP signaling. HLP's effect on bile acid regulation provides insights into treating T2DM.