Integrative Analysis of the Gut Microbiota and Metabolome in Obese Mice with Electroacupuncture by 16S rRNA Gene Sequencing and HPLC-MS-based Metabolic Profiling.

This study focuses on integrative analysis of the gut microbiota and metabolome in obese mice with electroacupuncture by 16s rrna gene sequencing and hplc-ms-based metabolic profiling.. The research employs high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) techniques to address analytical challenges in the environmental field. Acupuncture has been used to treat numerous diseases such as obesity in China for thousands of years. Several mechanisms of acupuncture on obesity have been surveyed based on metabolomics, but the effects of acupuncture on the alterations in the gut flora are still unclear. In this study, an integrated approach... Research Background and Significance Obesity is a global health challenge with multifactorial etiologies, including genetic, environmental, and metabolic factors. Traditional Chinese medicine, particularly acupuncture, has been employed for centuries to manage obesity and related metabolic disorders. Despite extensive clinical use, the mechanistic understanding of acupuncture's effects on obesity remains incomplete. Gut microbiota has emerged as a critical contributor to metabolic health and obesity, influencing host energy balance and inflammation. Recent advances in 16S rRNA gene sequencing have enabled detailed profiling of microbial communities, while high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS) offers robust metabolic profiling capabilities. This study integrates these cutting-edge techniques to elucidate the combined effects of electroacupuncture on gut microbiota composition and metabolic changes in obese mice, providing novel insights into the underlying therapeutic mechanisms. Experimental Design and Methodology The study employed a controlled experimental design involving obese mice subjected to e