Metabolomics-based analysis of the effect of Cucumaria frondosa intestinal and ovum hydrolysates on cytoxan-induced premature ovarian failure in mice

Premature ovarian failure (POF) poses a significant health threat to women of reproductive age. This study investigated the protective effects of Cucumaria frondosa intestinal and ovum hydrolysates (CFH) in a mouse model of POF, utilizing metabolomic analysis to reveal potential underlying mechanisms. In the present study, female ICR mice treated with 100 mg/kg of cytoxan (CTX) were employed to assess the therapeutic effects of CFH on ovarian dysfunction. The ameliorative effects of CFH on POF were evaluated based on the estrous cycle, ovarian reserve, serum sex hormone levels, as well as the antioxidant and anti-apoptotic effects. The results indicated that oral administration of CFH effectively regulated the disordered estrous cycle, increased the number of follicles, significantly elevated serum estradiol (E2) and anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) levels, while decreasing testosterone (T), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) levels in POF mice. Additionally, CFH supplementation resulted in increased superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and decreased malondialdehyde (MDA) levels. Furthermore, CFH supplementation reduced ovarian granulosa cell apoptosis compared to the POF group. Metabolomic studies ultimately identified metabolites such as tryptophan, citric acid, and arachidonic acid as potential targets of CFH′s action on POF. Collectively, these findings suggest that CFH can improve POF and provide mechanistic insights from metabolomics, supporting the application of Cucumaria frondosa intestinal and ovum in the field of functional foods.