Stachyose (ST), a natural compound found in cucumbers and legumes, has emerged as a promising therapeutic agent with diverse biological activities. In this study, researchers investigated the potential of ST in ameliorating blood deficiency syndrome (BDS) induced by cyclophosphamide (CP) and acetylphenylhydrazine (APH) in a rat model. They explored its effects on hematopoietic growth factors, immune markers, spleen morphology, and gut microbiota composition to unravel its underlying mechanisms of action.
Key Scientific Findings:
- ST treatment significantly increased red blood cell (RBC), white blood cell (WBC), hemoglobin (HGB), and hematocrit (HCT) levels, which are typically reduced in BDS induced by CP and APH.
- Splenomegaly, a common manifestation of BDS, was alleviated by ST administration, indicating its potential to reduce the severity of anemia by improving spleen function.
- Analysis of serum biochemical indices revealed significant increases in levels of erythropoietin (EPO), granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), and interleukin-6 (IL-6) in the ST-treated group, suggesting its immunomodulatory effects.
- ST administration promoted the recovery of erythropoiesis by boosting the synthesis and secretion of EPO in the bone marrow, and increased G-CSF levels to enhance granulocyte haematopoietic function.
- The modulation of gut microbiota composition by ST was characterized by a reduction in 𝘍𝘪𝘳𝘮𝘪𝘤𝘶𝘵𝘦𝘴 abundance and an increase in 𝘉𝘢𝘤𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘰𝘪𝘥𝘦𝘵𝘦𝘴 abundance, along with changes in specific genera such as 𝘓𝘢𝘤𝘵𝘰𝘣𝘢𝘤𝘪𝘭𝘭𝘶𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘚𝘵𝘢𝘱𝘩𝘺𝘭𝘰𝘤𝘰𝘤𝘤𝘶𝘴.
- Metabolomic analysis revealed alterations in amino acid metabolism, particularly phenylalanine metabolism, suggesting a potential mechanism through which ST regulates BDS.
- ST exhibited a multifaceted improvement effect on BDS, including enhancing immune levels, improving spleen function, and alleviating pathological changes, likely through its modulation of phenylalanine metabolism and correction of gut microbial imbalances.
Methodology:
- BDS was induced in rats using CP and APH, followed by treatment with different doses of ST.
- Blood parameters, spleen morphology, serum biochemical indices, and immune markers were quantified to assess the therapeutic effects of ST.
- 16S rRNA gene sequencing was employed to analyze gut microbiota composition.
- Untargeted serum and spleen metabolomics techniques were used to investigate metabolite changes.
Link to the article : https://tinyurl.com/5n7r7dxp
