The raw LC-MS/MS data were preprocessed using Progenesis QI (Waters Corporation, Milford, MA, United States) software. Internal standard peaks and false-positive peaks were removed from the data matrix, redundant signals were removed, and the peaks were pooled. In addition, the metabolites were searched and identified in the HMDB, KEGG and Metlin databases.
Metabolites detected in at least 80% of any set of samples were retained[20 (link)]. After filtering, the metabolite response intensity of the mass spectrum peaks was normalized using the sum-normalization method. Moreover, variables with a relative standard deviation > 30% relative to the quality control samples were removed, and log10 logarithmization was performed to obtain the final data matrix for subsequent analysis.