Untargeted metabolomics analysis reveals the efficacy of Xinsuning capsules in ameliorating arrhythmias in rats

Background: Xinsuning capsules is a safe and effective drug against phlegm-heat-disturbed arrhythmia (a type of rapid arrhythmia in traditional Chinese medicine. The clinical manifestations include chest tightness, irritability, vomiting, insomnia, and dreaminess) with no noticeable adverse effects. However, the molecular biological basis of Xinsuning capsules in the treatment of arrhythmia is relatively unexplored. Methods: In order to assess the antiarrhythmic effects of Xinsuning capsules, a rat arrhythmia model was constructed by injecting barium chloride into the tail vein. Metabolomic analysis was performed by UHPLC/Q-Exactive-Orbitrap mass spectrometry. The selection of differential variables in the metabolic data were necessitated fold change ≥ 1.5 or fold change ≤ 0.67, together with P < 0.05. Results: Barium chloride-induced arrhythmias in rats were significantly delayed in beginning and cut short in duration, according to electrocardiogram monitoring. Left ventricles of rats exhibitied significantly higher Na + -K + -ATPase activity after taking Xinsuning capsules compared to the model group. Metabolomic analysis showed that Xinsuning capsules could regulate arachidonic acid, prostaglandin F2a, 15-HETE, 15-HPETE, 12-HETE, 12(13)-DHOME, LTB4, inosine, and hypoxanthine. These metabolomics mainly involved arachidonic acid metabolism, unsaturated fat acid biosynthenosis, and purine metabolism. Conclusion: The therapeutic effects of Xinsuning capsules against arrhythmia had been investigated with metabolomics, providing the basis for further comprehensive research.