HPLC/QTOF-MS metabolomics analysis applied to identify skin biomarkers of UVC-induced skin injury in mice and preventive effects of abietic acid

Abstract

Abietic acid (AA) is a main constituent from pine resin, which has definite therapeutical effects for treating skin ulcers and tumor. Here, we explored the metabolome changes in skin tissues of mice with UVC-induced skin injury treated with AA by a HPLC-QTOF-MS/MS method. Model mice were induced with UVC irradiation. Skin histopathological changes were examined by routine HE staining. Metabolomic analysis technology and pattern recognition statistical method were applied to analyze the metabolites in the skin tissues of mice to study the therapeutic effect of AA on UVC-induced skin injury in mice. Ceramides, sphingosines, glycyl-L-glutamine, dihydroorotic acid, adenosine, dCMP and lyso-phosphatidylcholines can be used as biomarkers of UVC-induced skin injury. AA can improve the pathological tissue from the pathway of skin lipid and purine pyrimidine metabolism to achieve the therapeutic effect. AA can effectively treat UVC-induced skin injury in mice.