Abstract
This study articulated the intestinal metabolome of Apostichopus japonicus, one of the most geographically indicated high-value aquatic products in China. Through untargeted UHPLC-MS/MS metabolomic analysis, 645 metabolites were annotated from a total of 6333 detected spectral features in the body wall and intestinal tissues of A. japonicus. These substances constituted the primary metabolic profile of the body wall and intestines. Statistical analysis identified 208 differential metabolites and seven significantly enriched metabolic pathways. Among them, 172 metabolites were upregulated in the intestine, accounting for a proportion of 82.69%. The use of integrated bioaccessibility response method allowed for a quantitative and concise gauge of metabolic alterations including upregulation and downregulation of metabolites between intestinal and body wall samples. The work helped understand the nutritional aspects of A. japonicus intestine and support its potential utility in food processing and health-related applications.