Uncovering the mechanism of Astragali Radix against nephrotic syndrome by intergrating lipidomics and network pharmacology

Abstract Background Astragali Radix (AR), a common Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), is commonly used for treating nephrotic syndrome (NS) in China. At present, the research on the efficacy of AR against NS is relative clearly, but there are fewer researches on the mechanism. Purpose The aim of this study was to evaluate the potential beneficial effects of AR in an adriamycin-induced nephropathy rat model, as well as investigate the possible mechanisms of action and potential lipid biomarkers. Methods In this work, a rat model of NS was established by two injections of ADR (3.5+1 mg/kg) into the tail vein. The potential metabolites and targets involved in the anti-NS effects of AR were predicted by lipidomics coupled with the network pharmacology approach, and the crucial metabolite and protein were further validated by western blotting and ELISA. Results The results showed that 22 metabolites such as L-carnitine, LysoPC(20:3), and SM(d18:1/16:0) were associated with renal injury. Moreover, SMPD1, CPT1A and LCAT were predicted as lipids linked targets of AR against NS, whilst glycerophospholipid, sphingolipid and fatty acids metabolism were involved as key pathways of AR against NS. Besides, AR could play a critical role in NS by improving oxidative stress, inhibiting apoptosis and reducing inflammation. Interestingly, our results indicated that key metabolite L-carnitine and target CPT1 were one of the important metabolites and targets for AR to exert anti-NS effects. Conclusion In summary, this study offered a new understanding of the protection mechanism of AR against NS by network pharmacology and lipidomic method.