Protective effects and potential mechanisms of Pyracantha fortuneana fruit extract on chemotherapy-induced thrombocytopenia revealed by transcriptomic analysis

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Pyracantha fortuneana fruit is traditionally consumed as a dietary supplement in China known for its benefits in blood nourishment. Thrombocytopenia is often associated with blood deficiency. However, scientific studies on the platelet-enhancing activity of P. fortuneana fruit are lacking. This study investigates the protective effects of P. fortuneana fruit extract (PFE) against chemotherapy-induced thrombocytopenia (CIT) and elucidates molecular mechanisms underlying its platelet-enhancing effects. Results showed that PFE, particularly its ethyl acetate fraction (PFEEA), significantly increased platelet counts by 48.7 %, reduced bleeding and clotting times, and decreased bleeding volume. PFEEA also mitigated organ injuries and lowered serum alanine transaminase levels. Transcriptomic analysis revealed upregulation of genes enriched in the hematopoietic cell lineage pathway by PFEEA, along with normalization of hematopoiesis-related cytokine levels and thrombopoietin mRNA expression in the liver. This study establishes PFE's potential against CIT and provides insights into its mechanisms, supporting its application as a functional food. • Pyracantha fortuneana fruit extract (PFE) protected against CIT. • PFE significantly alleviated platelet reduction and bone marrow damage in CIT mice. • PFEEA notably improved platelet counts and bleeding/clotting times in CIT mice. • Transcriptomic analysis revealed PFEEA regulated hematopoietic cell lineage pathways.