Illuminating the hepatotoxic mechanism of norcantharidin in rats using metabolomics analysis

Abstract Background Norcantharidin (NCTD) has multiple antitumor effects. However, NCTD can induce significant hepatotoxicity and the mechanism of is not clear for now. Objective This study aimed to explore in rat by ultra-performance liquid chromatography (UPLC) quadrupole time-of-flight (Q-TOF)-MS (UPLC/Q-TOF-MS) metabolomics. Results Serum biochemical indices including alanine aminotransferase (ALT) total bilirubin (T-BIL) were significantly increased. Histopathological ultrastructure results revealed that hepatocytes damaged. Furthermore, metabolomics showed 11 metabolites serum 8 liver differential hepatotoxicity. Four metabolic pathways sphingolipid metabolism, purine arachidonic acid glycerophospholipid metabolism key related Conclusion The analysis this reveal new clues on rats. These findings have potential applications toxicity NCTD.