Metabolomic Analysis of Sea Cucumber Ovum Hydrolysates in Cyclophosphamide-Induced Premature Ovarian Failure

Sea cucumber ovum are high-value compounds that remain after the processing of sea cucumbers, and their optimal utilization has long posed a challenge. In this research, we systematically examined the therapeutic effects of sea cucumber ovum hydrolysate (SCH) on premature ovarian failure (POF) and its underlying mechanism. We utilized a model of ICR mice induced with 100 mg/kg cyclophosphamide (CP) to evaluate the therapeutic influence of SCH on ovarian performance. The ovarian and uterine indices were significantly decreased in the POF group compared to the control group; however, these trends were notably reversed following SCH intervention. The therapeutic effects of SCH were positively reflected by the alterations induced by CP in levels of estradiol (E2), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), testosterone (T), luteinizing hormone (LH), and anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH). Regarding oxidative stress, SCH was found to enhance superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and decrease malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, while also alleviating apoptosis in ovarian granulosa cells. Metabolomics analysis revealed hypoxanthine, mannitol, neocnidilide, tryptophan, palmitoleic acid, and protoporphyrinogen IX as potential biomarkers. In conclusion, SCH effectively improves POF induced by CP, thereby reinforcing the potential application of SCH in the domain of functional foods.