ABSTRACT
Aim To use microdialysis technology combined with ultra-high performance liquid chromatography tandem quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-Q-TOF/MS) technology to study the effect of Achyranthes bidentata saponins (ABS) on rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and its mechanisms. Methods SD rats were randomly divided into adjuvant arthritis (AA) model group, blank control group and ABS administration group. AA rat model was induced by Freund's complete adjuvant. UPLC-Q-TOF/MS was used to collect joint cavity microdialysis fluid sample information of each group of rats. Results On 6th day after administration of ABS, an inhibitory effect on the paw swelling, improved the arthritis score (P < 0. 05), and better the pathological morphology of the synovial tissues were found in AA rats. Nineteen potential biomarkers were discovered and identified. Pathway enrichment analysis revealed that they mainly involved purine metabolism, pyrimidine metabolism, fatty acid biosynthesis and steroid hormone biosynthesis pathway. Conclusions Microdialysis combined with metabolomics can reveal the metabolic mechanism of ABS intervention on RA, laying a foundation for further study of the mechanism of ABS.