Mechanism of Alleviating Acute Lung Injury in Mice from Serum Metabolomics Analysis of Cordyceps fumosorosea

Abstract

Cordyceps fumosorosea is a common species within the Cordyceps genus. In this study, the protective effect of Cordyceps fumosorosea mycelium was investigated to clarify the potential mechanism of alleviating acute lung injury in mice using serum metabolomic analysis, which could provide a theoretical basis for the clinical application of C. fumosorosea. Sixty mice were divided into six groups (NS, LPS, MIX, COR, COC and DMX). Lung cell nuclei were analyzed using hematoxylin and eosin staining and cellular changes were observed using transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Metabolomic analyses using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) were used to identify various compounds. In all six groups, lung nuclear inflammation was observed in the COR, COC and DMX groups, whereas the NS, LPS and MIX groups showed no cellular changes, indicating good health. Metabolomic analysis using LC-MS identified 1607 compounds across various classes. Statistical analyses, including the coefficient of variation and OPLS-DA, revealed distinct metabolic proles, indicating significant changes after the consumption of C. fumosorosea mycelia. Lipids constituted the largest proportion (30.37%) of the 30 identified classes and subclasses of metabolites. A total of 617 differentially accumulated metabolites (DAMs) were identified, both unique and shared between comparisons. Metabolite analysis identified 617 differentially accumulated metabolites, with 493 common to the LPS vs. MIX group, 75 in the LPS vs. NS group and 49 in the LPS vs. NS group and LPS vs. MIX group. This comprehensive investigation suggests that C. fumosorosea mycelia treatment holds promise as a therapeutic intervention for lung injury, influencing both the histopathological (lung) features and serum metabolic profiles.