Construction of Lung Adenocarcinoma Xenograft Model in Mice and Evaluation of the Efficiency of XY Decoction through MAPK Pathway

Lung adenocarcinoma is increasing worldwide, prompting the exploration and development of effective treatment methods. In recent years, the therapeutic potential of traditional Chinese medicine for lung adenocarcinoma, such as the XiaoYi (XY) decoction, has been increasingly recognized. The mechanism of action of traditional Chinese medicine in treating lung adenocarcinoma continues to be elucidated. In this study, animal models were used to investigate the therapeutic effects of XY decoction in the treatment of lung adenocarcinoma. The blood-entry chemical components of XY decoction in mice were separated and analyzed in both positive and negative ion modes using UHPLC-QE-MS. The findings were then validated through in vivo experiments, which demonstrated reduced tumor size, improved pathological changes, and increased apoptosis. As a result, fifteen components absorbed into the blood following XY decoction administration were identified: Stachyose, Quercetin-3-O-beta-glucopyranosyl-7-O-alpha-rhamnopyranoside; Imperialine; Spinosin B; Peimine; Flavone base + 3O, 2MeO, O-Hex; Picropodophyllotoxin; (2S,3R,4S,5S,6R)-2-[(2R,3R,4S,5S,6R)-4,5-dihydroxy-2 [[(3S,5R,8R,10R,12R,13R,14R,17S)-12-hydroxy-17-(2-hydroxy-6-methylhept-5-en-2-yl) 4,4,8,10,14-pentamethyl-2,3,5,6,7,9,11,12,13,15,16,17-dodecahydro-1H cyclopenta[a]phenanthren-3-yl]oxy]-6-(hydroxymethyl)oxan-3-yl]oxy-6-(hydroxymethyl)oxane-3,4,5-triol; Tricin; Ginsenoside Rg1; (20R)-Ginsenoside Rh1; Jujuboside B; Aucubin; Ginsenoside Rg3; and beta-Elemonic acid. Animal experiments demonstrated that XY decoction inhibited tumor growth, improved pathological changes, and promoted tumor cell apoptosis in a dose-dependent manner. The mechanisms involved may be related to the upregulation of p-JNK and p-P38 protein expression in the MAPK pathway and the downregulation of p-ERK protein expression in the MAPK pathway. In conclusion, XY decoction has the potential to regulate the MAPK pathway and exert therapeutic effects against lung adenocarcinoma.