Metabolomics for searching validated biomarkers in cancer studies: a decade in review

INTRODUCTION

In the dynamic landscape of modern healthcare, the ability to anticipate and diagnose diseases, particularly in cases where early treatment significantly impacts outcomes, is paramount. Cancer, a complex and heterogeneous disease, underscores the critical importance of early diagnosis for patient survival. The integration of metabolomics information has emerged as a crucial tool, complementing the genotype-phenotype landscape and providing insights into active metabolic mechanisms and disease-induced dysregulated pathways.

AREAS COVERED

This review explores a decade of developments in the search for biomarkers validated within the realm of cancer studies. By critically assessing a diverse array of research articles, clinical trials, and studies, this review aims to present an overview of the methodologies employed and the progress achieved in identifying and validating biomarkers in metabolomics results for various cancer types.

EXPERT OPINION

Through an exploration of more than 800 studies, this review has allowed to establish a general idea about state-of-art in the search of biomarkers in metabolomics studies involving cancer which include certain level of results validation. The potential for metabolites as diagnostic markers to reach the clinic and make a real difference in patient health is substantial, but challenges remain to be explored.

Optimization and validation of metabolomics methods for feline urine and serum towards application in veterinary medicine

BACKGROUND

Metabolomics is an emerging and powerful technology that offers a comprehensive view of an organism's physiological status. Although widely applied in human medicine, it is only recently making its introduction in veterinary medicine. As a result, validated metabolomics protocols in feline medicine are lacking at the moment. Since biological interpretation of metabolomics data can be misled by the extraction method used, species and matrix-specific optimized and validated metabolomic protocols are sorely needed.

RESULTS

Systematic optimization was performed using fractional factorial experiments for both serum (n = 57) and urine (n = 24), evaluating dilution for both matrices, and aliquot and solvent volume, protein precipitation time and temperature for serum. For the targeted (n = 76) and untargeted (n = 1949) validation of serum respectively, excellent instrumental, intra-assay and inter-day precision were observed (CV ≤ 15% or 30%, respectively). Linearity deemed sufficient both targeted and untargeted (R2 ≥ 0.99 or 0.90, respectively). An appropriate targeted recovery between 70 and 130% was achieved. For the targeted (n = 69) and untargeted (n = 2348) validation of the urinary protocol, excellent instrumental and intra-assay precision were obtained (CV ≤ 15% or 30%, respectively). Subsequently, the discriminative ability of our metabolomics methods was confirmed for feline chronic kidney disease (CKD) by univariate statistics (n = 41 significant metabolites for serum, and n = 55 for urine, p-value<0.05) and validated OPLS-DA models (R2(Y) > 0.95, Q2(Y) > 0.65, p-value<0.001 for both matrices).

SIGNIFICANCE

This study is the first to present an optimized and validated wholistic metabolomics methods for feline serum and urine using ultra-high performance liquid chromatography coupled to quadrupole-Orbitrap high-resolution mass spectrometry. This robust methodology opens avenues for biomarker panel selection and a deeper understanding of feline CKD pathophysiology and other feline applications.

Construction and validation of serum Metabolic Risk Score for early warning of malignancy in esophagus

Using noninvasive biomarkers to identify high-risk individuals prior to endoscopic examination is crucial for optimization of screening strategies for esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). We conducted a nested case-control study based on two community-based screening cohorts to evaluate the warning value of serum metabolites for esophageal malignancy. The serum samples were collected at enrollment when the cases had not been diagnosed. We identified 74 differential metabolites and two prominent perturbed metabolic pathways, and constructed Metabolic Risk Score (MRS) based on 22 selected metabolic predictors. The MRS generated an area under the receiver operating characteristics curve (AUC) of 0.815. The model performed well for the within-1-year interval (AUC: 0.868) and 1-to-5-year interval (AUC: 0.845) from blood draw to diagnosis, but showed limited ability in predicting long-term cases (>5 years). In summary, the MRS could serve as a potential early warning and risk stratification tool for establishing a precision strategy of ESCC screening.

Changes in Isoleucine, Sarcosine, and Dimethylglycine During OGTT as Risk Factors for Diabetes

CONTEXT

Current metabolomics studies in diabetes have focused on the fasting state, while only a few have addressed the satiated state.

OBJECTIVE

We combined the oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) and metabolomics to examine metabolite-level changes in populations with different glucose tolerance statuses and to evaluate the potential risk of these changes for diabetes.

METHODS

We grouped participants into those with normal glucose tolerance (NGT), impaired glucose regulation (IGR), and newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes (NDM). During the OGTT, serum was collected at 0, 30, 60, 120, and 180 minutes. We evaluated the changes in metabolite levels during the OGTT and compared metabolic profiles among the 3 groups. The relationship between metabolite levels during the OGTT and risk of diabetes and prediabetes was analyzed using a generalized estimating equation (GEE). The regression results were adjusted for sex, body mass index, fasting insulin levels, heart rate, smoking status, and blood pressure.

RESULTS

Glucose intake altered metabolic profile and induced an increase in glycolytic intermediates and a decrease in amino acids, glycerol, ketone bodies, and triglycerides. Isoleucine levels differed between the NGT and NDM groups and between the NGT and IGR groups. Changes in sarcosine levels during the OGTT in the diabetes groups were opposite to those in glycine levels. GEE analysis revealed that during OGTT, isoleucine, sarcosine, and acetic acid levels were associated with NDM risks, and isoleucine and acetate levels with IGR risks.

CONCLUSION

Metabolic profiles differ after glucose induction in individuals with different glucose tolerance statuses. Changes in metabolite levels during OGTT are potential risk factors for diabetes development.

Analysis of metabolic characteristics of metabolic syndrome in elderly patients with gastric cancer by non-targeted metabolomics

BACKGROUND

The relationship between metabolic syndrome (MetS) and gastric cancer (GC), which is a common metabolic disease, has attracted much attention. However, the specific metabolic characteristics of MetS in elderly patients with GC remain unclear.

AIM

To investigate the differentially abundant metabolites and metabolic pathways between preoperative frailty and MetS in elderly patients with GC based on nontargeted metabolomics techniques.

METHODS

In this study, 125 patients with nonfrail nonmeal GC were selected as the control group, and 50 patients with GC in the frail group were selected as the frail group. Sixty-five patients with GC combined with MetS alone were included in the MetS group, and 50 patients with GC combined with MetS were included in the MetS group. Nontargeted metabolomics techniques were used to measure plasma metabolite levels by ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. Multivariate statistical analysis was performed by principal component analysis, orthogonal partial least squares, pattern recognition analysis, cluster analysis, and metabolic pathway annotation.

RESULTS

A total of 125 different metabolites, including amino acids, glycerophospholipids, sphingolipids, fatty acids, sugars, nucleosides and nucleotides, and acidic compounds, were identified via nontargeted metabolomics techniques. Compared with those in the control group, there were 41, 32, and 52 different metabolites in the MetS group, the debilitated group, and the combined group, respectively. Lipid metabolites were significantly increased in the MetS group. In the weak group, amino acids and most glycerol phospholipid metabolites decreased significantly, and fatty acids and sphingosine increased significantly. The combined group was characterized by significantly increased levels of nucleotide metabolites and acidic compounds. The alanine, aspartic acid, and glutamate metabolic pathways were obviously enriched in the asthenic group, and the glycerol and phospholipid metabolic pathways were obviously enriched in the combined group.

CONCLUSION

Elderly GC patients with simple frailty, simple combined MetS, and frailty combined with MetS have different metabolic characteristics, among which amino acid and glycerophospholipid metabolite levels are significantly lower in frail elderly GC patients, and comprehensive supplementation of fat and protein should be considered. Many kinds of metabolites, such as amino acids, lipids, nucleotides, and acidic compounds, are abnormally abundant in patients with MetS combined with fthenia, which may be related to tumor-related metabolic disorders.

Effects of processing technology on tea quality analyzed using high-resolution mass spectrometry-based metabolomics

Fixation is a crucial step in green tea processing that can impact quality. In this study, we explored the differences in the chemical components of steamed and fried green teas made from the same batch of fresh tea leaves using different fixing methods. Results showed that concentrations of sucrose and free amino acids were significantly higher in steamed green tea. Abundances of 12 compounds including purine nucleoside, pyrimidine nucleoside derivatives, and catechins were higher in fried green tea, while 34 compounds such as amino acids and their derivatives, benzofurans and flavonoids were higher in steamed green tea. Thus, steaming retained more compounds associated with sweet and fresh tastes, such as free amino acids, while frying produced more compounds with bitter tastes, such as catechin. This might explain why steamed green tea is mellower than fried tea.

Analysis of metabolic characteristics of metabolic syndrome in elderly patients with gastric cancer by non-targeted metabolomics

BACKGROUND

The relationship between metabolic syndrome (MetS) and gastric cancer (GC), which is a common metabolic disease, has attracted much attention. However, the specific metabolic characteristics of MetS in elderly patients with GC remain unclear.

AIM

To investigate the differentially abundant metabolites and metabolic pathways between preoperative frailty and MetS in elderly patients with GC based on nontargeted metabolomics techniques.

METHODS

In this study, 125 patients with nonfrail nonmeal GC were selected as the control group, and 50 patients with GC in the frail group were selected as the frail group. Sixty-five patients with GC combined with MetS alone were included in the MetS group, and 50 patients with GC combined with MetS were included in the MetS group. Nontargeted metabolomics techniques were used to measure plasma metabolite levels by ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. Multivariate statistical analysis was performed by principal component analysis, orthogonal partial least squares, pattern recognition analysis, cluster analysis, and metabolic pathway annotation.

RESULTS

A total of 125 different metabolites, including amino acids, glycerophospholipids, sphingolipids, fatty acids, sugars, nucleosides and nucleotides, and acidic compounds, were identified via nontargeted metabolomics techniques. Compared with those in the control group, there were 41, 32, and 52 different metabolites in the MetS group, the debilitated group, and the combined group, respectively. Lipid metabolites were significantly increased in the MetS group. In the weak group, amino acids and most glycerol phospholipid metabolites decreased significantly, and fatty acids and sphingosine increased significantly. The combined group was characterized by significantly increased levels of nucleotide metabolites and acidic compounds. The alanine, aspartic acid, and glutamate metabolic pathways were obviously enriched in the asthenic group, and the glycerol and phospholipid metabolic pathways were obviously enriched in the combined group.

CONCLUSION

Elderly GC patients with simple frailty, simple combined MetS, and frailty combined with MetS have different metabolic characteristics, among which amino acid and glycerophospholipid metabolite levels are significantly lower in frail elderly GC patients, and comprehensive supplementation of fat and protein should be considered. Many kinds of metabolites, such as amino acids, lipids, nucleotides, and acidic compounds, are abnormally abundant in patients with MetS combined with fthenia, which may be related to tumor-related metabolic disorders.

Advances in Chromatographic and Mass Spectrometric Techniques for Analyzing Reducing Monosaccharides and Their Phosphates in Biological Samples

Reducing monosaccharides and their phosphates are critical metabolites in the central carbon metabolism pathway of living organisms. Variations in their content can indicate abnormalities in metabolic pathways and the onset of certain diseases, necessitating their analysis and detection. Reducing monosaccharides and their phosphates exhibit significant variations in content within biological samples and are present in many isomers, which makes the accurate quantification of reducing monosaccharides and their phosphates in biological samples a challenging task. Various analytical methods such as spectroscopy, fluorescence detection, colorimetry, nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, sensor-based techniques, chromatography, and mass spectrometry are employed to detect monosaccharides and phosphates. In comparison, chromatography and mass spectrometry are highly favored for their ability to simultaneously analyze multiple components and their high sensitivity and selectivity. This review thoroughly evaluates the current chromatographic and mass spectrometric methods used for detecting reducing monosaccharides and their phosphates from 2013 to 2023, highlighting their efficacy and the advancements in these analytical technologies.

Cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in lean vs. non-lean MASLD: A comprehensive meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Lean metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), characterized by a BMI < 25 kg/m² (or < 23 kg/m² in Asians), presents a challenging prognosis compared to non-lean MASLD. This study examines cardiovascular outcomes in both lean and non-lean MASLD cohorts.

METHODS

In this meta-analysis, pooled odds ratios (ORs) within 95 % confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated for primary outcomes (cardiovascular mortality and major adverse cardiovascular events [MACE]) and secondary outcomes (cardiovascular disease [CVD], all-cause mortality, hypertension, and dyslipidemia). Studies comparing lean and non-lean MASLD within the same cohorts were analyzed, prioritizing those with larger sample sizes or recent publication dates.

RESULTS

Twenty-one studies were identified, encompassing lean MASLD patients (n = 7153; mean age 52.9 ± 7.4; 56 % male) and non-lean MASLD patients (n = 23,514; mean age 53.2 ± 6.8; 63 % male). Lean MASLD exhibited a 50 % increase in cardiovascular mortality odds compared to non-lean MASLD (OR: 1.5, 95 % CI 1.2-1.8; p < 0.0001). MACE odds were 10 % lower in lean MASLD (OR: 0.9, 95 % CI 0.7-1.2; p = 0.7), while CVD odds were 40 % lower (p = 0.01). All-cause mortality showed a 40 % higher odds in lean MASLD versus non-lean MASLD (p = 0.06). Lean MASLD had 30 % lower odds for both hypertension (p = 0.01) and dyslipidemia (p = 0.02) compared to non-lean MASLD.

CONCLUSION

Despite a favorable cardiometabolic profile and comparable MACE rates, lean individuals with MASLD face elevated cardiovascular mortality risk.

Serum branched-chain amino acid levels are associated with fracture risk in Japanese women

AIM

Branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) have been shown to exert beneficial effects on muscle and bone metabolism; however, no studies to date have investigated whether BCAAs have beneficial effects on bone fractures. Herein, we aim to prospectively investigate the relationship between serum BCAA concentrations and the occurrence of vertebral fractures (VFs) in Japanese women.

METHODS

During the observation period (7.5 ± 6.1 years), 188 of 983 participants experienced VF. Kaplan-Meier analyses were conducted to examine time-dependent variations in the vertebral compression fracture occurrence rate. Patients were stratified into quartiles based on serum BCAA concentration for this analysis.

RESULTS

The analysis results indicated that the group with the lowest BCAA level developed VFs significantly earlier and with a higher frequency than the other groups (P < 0.001). A Cox proportional hazards model showed that BCAA concentration was a significant risk factor for incident fracture, even after adjusting for possible confounding factors. A series of multiple regression analyses were performed to identify factors related to serum BCAA concentration, with the results identifying levels of glycated hemoglobin (P < 0.001), adiponectin (P < 0.001), and NOx (P = 0.011) as significant factors associated with serum BCAA.

CONCLUSIONS

Overall, the present study revealed that a lower serum BCAA level was an independent risk factor for incident VF in postmenopausal women. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2024; 24: 603-608.

Antidiabetic Potential of Tea and Its Active Compounds: From Molecular Mechanism to Clinical Evidence

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a chronic endocrine disorder that poses a long-term risk to human health accompanied by serious complications. Common antidiabetic drugs are usually accompanied by side effects such as hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity. There is an urgent need for natural dietary alternatives for diabetic treatment. Tea (Camellia sinensis) consumption has been widely investigated to lower the risk of diabetes and its complications through restoring glucose metabolism homeostasis, safeguarding pancreatic β-cells, ameliorating insulin resistance, ameliorating oxidative stresses, inhibiting inflammatory response, and regulating intestinal microbiota. It is indispensable to develop effective strategies to improve the absorption of tea active compounds and exert combinational effects with other natural compounds to broaden its hypoglycemic potential. The advances in clinical trials and population-based investigations are also discussed. This review primarily delves into the antidiabetic potential and underlying mechanisms of tea active compounds, providing a theoretical basis for the practical application of tea and its active compounds against diabetes.

Latest insights into the global epidemiological features, screening, early diagnosis and prognosis prediction of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma

As a highly invasive carcinoma, esophageal cancer (EC) was the eighth most prevalent malignancy and the sixth leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide in 2020. Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is the major histological subtype of EC, and its incidence and mortality rates are decreasing globally. Due to the lack of specific early symptoms, ESCC patients are usually diagnosed with advanced-stage disease with a poor prognosis, and the incidence and mortality rates are still high in many countries, especially in China. Therefore, enormous challenges still exist in the management of ESCC, and novel strategies are urgently needed to further decrease the incidence and mortality rates of ESCC. Although the key molecular mechanisms underlying ESCC pathogenesis have not been fully elucidated, certain promising biomarkers are being investigated to facilitate clinical decision-making. With the advent and advancement of high-throughput technologies, such as genomics, proteomics and metabolomics, valuable biomarkers with high sensitivity, specificity and stability could be identified for ESCC. Herein, we aimed to determine the epidemiological features of ESCC in different regions of the world, especially in China, and focused on novel molecular biomarkers associated with ESCC screening, early diagnosis and prognosis prediction.

The Link between Abdominal Obesity Indices and the Progression of Liver Fibrosis: Insights from a Population-Based Study

There is currently no available information on the correlation between abdominal obesity indices and the risk of liver fibrosis progression. We aimed to investigate the relationship between the body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), and the visceral adiposity index (VAI) with the progression of liver fibrosis. The study also evaluated the association between these indices and the prevalence of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) and liver fibrosis. A total of 1403 subjects participated in the cross-sectional and longitudinal population-based study. Liver stiffness was assessed via transient elastography, at baseline and follow-up (median: 4.2 years). The subgroup with dysglycemia was also analyzed. In the cross-sectional study, the highest quartile of VAI, BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2, and abdominal obesity showed significant associations with the prevalence of MASLD and liver fibrosis, as well as with fibrosis progression. However, VAI showed no association with MASLD incidence. Among the dysglycemic subjects, there was no observed association between VAI and the incidence of MASLD or the progression of fibrosis. In conclusion, the BMI, WC, and the VAI are associated with an increased risk of progression to moderate-to-advanced liver fibrosis in the general population. However, the VAI does not perform better than the BMI and WC measurement.

Medium-chain dicarboxylic acids: chemistry, pharmacological properties, and applications in modern pharmaceutical and cosmetics industries

Succinic (SUA), glutaric (GLA), pimelic (PA), suberic (SUBA), adipic (ADA), azelaic (AZA), and sebacic acids (SA) make up the majority of medium-chain dicarboxylic acids (MCDAs) with chain lengths of C4-C10, and are widely utilised in the chemical, food, textile, pesticide, pharmaceutical, and liquid crystal sectors. The MCDAs' two carboxyl groups provide them with an incredibly broad variety of applications. The focus of significant scientific research now is on the increasingly varied pharmacological effects of MCDAs. However, only a few studies have compared the biological characteristics of MCDAs in the contemporary pharmaceutical and cosmetic sectors and thoroughly examined the most recent research and marketing initiatives for MCDAs. This review's objective is to offer a thorough analysis of academic works on MCDAs, to assess the usefulness of these substances' chemical-pharmacological properties for use in the contemporary pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries, and to investigate the direction of their possible applications in these two disciplines. In addition, this review investigates how these compounds are metabolised in the human body.

A reduced proteomic signature in critically ill Covid-19 patients determined with plasma antibody micro-array and machine learning

BACKGROUND

COVID-19 is a complex, multi-system disease with varying severity and symptoms. Identifying changes in critically ill COVID-19 patients' proteomes enables a better understanding of markers associated with susceptibility, symptoms, and treatment. We performed plasma antibody microarray and machine learning analyses to identify novel proteins of COVID-19.

METHODS

A case-control study comparing the concentration of 2000 plasma proteins in age- and sex-matched COVID-19 inpatients, non-COVID-19 sepsis controls, and healthy control subjects. Machine learning was used to identify a unique proteome signature in COVID-19 patients. Protein expression was correlated with clinically relevant variables and analyzed for temporal changes over hospitalization days 1, 3, 7, and 10. Expert-curated protein expression information was analyzed with Natural language processing (NLP) to determine organ- and cell-specific expression.

RESULTS

Machine learning identified a 28-protein model that accurately differentiated COVID-19 patients from ICU non-COVID-19 patients (accuracy = 0.89, AUC = 1.00, F1 = 0.89) and healthy controls (accuracy = 0.89, AUC = 1.00, F1 = 0.88). An optimal nine-protein model (PF4V1, NUCB1, CrkL, SerpinD1, Fen1, GATA-4, ProSAAS, PARK7, and NET1) maintained high classification ability. Specific proteins correlated with hemoglobin, coagulation factors, hypertension, and high-flow nasal cannula intervention (P < 0.01). Time-course analysis of the 28 leading proteins demonstrated no significant temporal changes within the COVID-19 cohort. NLP analysis identified multi-system expression of the key proteins, with the digestive and nervous systems being the leading systems.

CONCLUSIONS

The plasma proteome of critically ill COVID-19 patients was distinguishable from that of non-COVID-19 sepsis controls and healthy control subjects. The leading 28 proteins and their subset of 9 proteins yielded accurate classification models and are expressed in multiple organ systems. The identified COVID-19 proteomic signature helps elucidate COVID-19 pathophysiology and may guide future COVID-19 treatment development.

Adipokines in pregnancy

Reproductive success consists of a sequential events chronology, starting with the ovum fertilization, implantation of the embryo, placentation, and cellular processes like proliferation, apoptosis, angiogenesis, endocrinology, or metabolic changes, which taken together finally conduct the birth of healthy offspring. Currently, many factors are known that affect the regulation and proper maintenance of pregnancy in humans, domestic animals, or rodents. Among the determinants of reproductive success should be distinguished: the maternal microenvironment, genes, and proteins as well as numerous pregnancy hormones that regulate the most important processes and ensure organism homeostasis. It is well known that white adipose tissue, as the largest endocrine gland in our body, participates in the synthesis and secretion of numerous hormones belonging to the adipokine family, which also may regulate the course of pregnancy. Unfortunately, overweight and obesity lead to the expansion of adipose tissue in the body, and its excess in both women and animals contributes to changes in the synthesis and release of adipokines, which in turn translates into dramatic changes during pregnancy, including those taking place in the organ that is crucial for the proper progress of pregnancy, i.e. the placenta. In this chapter, we are summarizing the current knowledge about levels of adipokines and their role in the placenta, taking into account the physiological and pathological conditions of pregnancy, e.g. gestational diabetes mellitus, preeclampsia, or intrauterine growth restriction in humans, domestic animals, and rodents.

Untargeted lipidomics analysis in women with morbid obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus: A comprehensive study

There is a phenotype of obese individuals termed metabolically healthy obese that present a reduced cardiometabolic risk. This phenotype offers a valuable model for investigating the mechanisms connecting obesity and metabolic alterations such as Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM). Previously, in an untargeted metabolomics analysis in a cohort of morbidly obese women, we observed a different lipid metabolite pattern between metabolically healthy morbid obese individuals and those with associated T2DM. To validate these findings, we have performed a complementary study of lipidomics. In this study, we assessed a liquid chromatography coupled to a mass spectrometer untargeted lipidomic analysis on serum samples from 209 women, 73 normal-weight women (control group) and 136 morbid obese women. From those, 65 metabolically healthy morbid obese and 71 with associated T2DM. In this work, we find elevated levels of ceramides, sphingomyelins, diacyl and triacylglycerols, fatty acids, and phosphoethanolamines in morbid obese vs normal weight. Conversely, decreased levels of acylcarnitines, bile acids, lyso-phosphatidylcholines, phosphatidylcholines (PC), phosphatidylinositols, and phosphoethanolamine PE (O-38:4) were noted. Furthermore, comparing morbid obese women with T2DM vs metabolically healthy MO, a distinct lipid profile emerged, featuring increased levels of metabolites: deoxycholic acid, diacylglycerol DG (36:2), triacylglycerols, phosphatidylcholines, phosphoethanolamines, phosphatidylinositols, and lyso-phosphatidylinositol LPI (16:0). To conclude, analysing both comparatives, we observed decreased levels of deoxycholic acid, PC (34:3), and PE (O-38:4) in morbid obese women vs normal-weight. Conversely, we found elevated levels of these lipids in morbid obese women with T2DM vs metabolically healthy MO. These profiles of metabolites could be explored for the research as potential markers of metabolic risk of T2DM in morbid obese women.

Metabolomics for Clinical Biomarker Discovery and Therapeutic Target Identification

As links between genotype and phenotype, small-molecule metabolites are attractive biomarkers for disease diagnosis, prognosis, classification, drug screening and treatment, insight into understanding disease pathology and identifying potential targets. Metabolomics technology is crucial for discovering targets of small-molecule metabolites involved in disease phenotype. Mass spectrometry-based metabolomics has implemented in applications in various fields including target discovery, explanation of disease mechanisms and compound screening. It is used to analyze the physiological or pathological states of the organism by investigating the changes in endogenous small-molecule metabolites and associated metabolism from complex metabolic pathways in biological samples. The present review provides a critical update of high-throughput functional metabolomics techniques and diverse applications, and recommends the use of mass spectrometry-based metabolomics for discovering small-molecule metabolite signatures that provide valuable insights into metabolic targets. We also recommend using mass spectrometry-based metabolomics as a powerful tool for identifying and understanding metabolic patterns, metabolic targets and for efficacy evaluation of herbal medicine.

Association between sleep disorders and physical activity in middle-aged Americans: a cross-sectional study from NHANES

BACKGROUND

Among the numerous studies on physical activity and sleep disorders, few have focused on physical activity and sleep disorders in middle-aged people who are particularly stressed. A restricted cubic web (RCS) technique was applied to determine whether physical activity and the self-rated prevalence of sleep disorders exhibit a dose-response relationship in middle-aged adults.

METHODS

This study analyzed 8880 middle-aged adults aged 40-65 years who participated in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2007-2018. Logistic regression was performed to estimate the odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) between physical activity and sleep disorders in middle-aged adults. Thereafter, the dose-response connection was examined using RCS.

RESULTS

After adjusting for potential confounders, subjects with MET values in the first quartile (Q1) had odds ratios (OR) for sleep disturbance of 0.851 (95% CI = 0.745-0.973), 0.800 (95% CI = 0.698-0.917), and 0.780 (95% CI = 0.680-0.895) compared to subjects with MET values in the second, third, and fourth quartiles respectively. RCS regression showed a non-linear association between physical activity and sleep disorders in middle-aged adults (non-linearity P = 0.0382). Furthermore, the prevalence of sleep disorders in middle-aged adults decreased with increasing physical activity, reaching a minimum when weekly physical activity was around 166.27MET*h (OR = 0.885, 95% CI = 0.799-0.981).

CONCLUSION

Our research demonstrates that physical activity was negatively associated with sleep disorders.

Metabolites, Healthy Lifestyle, and Polygenic Risk Score Associated with Upper Gastrointestinal Cancer: Findings from the UK Biobank Study

Previous metabolomics studies have highlighted the predictive value of metabolites on upper gastrointestinal (UGI) cancer, while most of them ignored the potential effects of lifestyle and genetic risk on plasma metabolites. This study aimed to evaluate the role of lifestyle and genetic risk in the metabolic mechanism of UGI cancer. Differential metabolites of UGI cancer were identified using partial least-squares discriminant analysis and the Wilcoxon test. Then, we calculated the healthy lifestyle index (HLI) score and polygenic risk score (PRS) and divided them into three groups, respectively. A total of 15 metabolites were identified as UGI-cancer-related differential metabolites. The metabolite model (AUC = 0.699) exhibited superior discrimination ability compared to those of the HLI model (AUC = 0.615) and the PRS model (AUC = 0.593). Moreover, subgroup analysis revealed that the metabolite model showed higher discrimination ability for individuals with unhealthy lifestyles compared to that with healthy individuals (AUC = 0.783 vs 0.684). Furthermore, in the genetic risk subgroup analysis, individuals with a genetic predisposition to UGI cancer exhibited the best discriminative performance in the metabolite model (AUC = 0.770). These findings demonstrated the clinical significance of metabolic biomarkers in UGI cancer discrimination, especially in individuals with unhealthy lifestyles and a high genetic risk.

The impact of systemic administration of polyphenols on periodontitis associated with diabetes mellitus: a systematic review

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this work was to explore the potential of polyphenol supplement consumption in enhancing the treatment of periodontitis and diabetes mellitus in both diabetic animals and humans.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A comprehensive search across eight databases (MEDLINE, EBSCO, Taylor & Francis, PRIMO, Web of Science, Wiley Online Library, ScienceDirect, and SAGE Journals) and two registers (ClinicalTrials.gov and Cochrane Library Trials) was conducted. Methodological quality assessment employed the Cochrane Collaboration Risk of Bias Assessment Tool for randomised controlled trials and the Systematic Review Centre for Laboratory Animal Experimentation Risk of Bias Tool for experimental animal studies.

RESULTS

Ten articles meeting inclusion criteria were identified. Three clinical studies demonstrated significant reductions in probing depth (PD) and clinical attachment loss (CAL). Ginger supplementation showed a decrease in CAL (-0.57 ± 0.50 vs. -0.14 ± 0.35, p = 0.003) and PD (-0.52 ± 0.51 vs. -0.19 ± 0.51, p = 0.04), while resveratrol supplementation exhibited a reduction in PD (-1.1 ± 0.58 vs. -0.6 ± 0.47, p < 0.001). Additionally, cranberry juice supplementation led to a decrease in PD (-0.56 ± 0.03, p < 0.001). However, there was no significant improvement in inflammation status. Although polyphenol supplementation did not impact fasting blood glucose levels, it did result in improved insulin resistance (3.66 ± 0.97 vs. 4.49 ± 1.56, p = 0.045). In diabetic animals, six studies reported a significant reduction (p < 0.05) in bone loss along with marked improvements in inflammation status.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite the promising results observed in the included studies, the overall evidence supporting the positive effects of polyphenols on periodontal and diabetes mellitus status, along with their anti-inflammatory properties, remains inadequate.

Dietary amino acid profile and risk of hypertension: findings from the Ravansar cohort study

INTRODUCTION

Hypertension (HTN) is a significant global health concern associated with morbidity and mortality. Recent research has explored the potential relationship between dietary protein intake and the development of HTN. This study aims to investigate the association between dietary amino acids and the incidence of HTN.

METHODS

This nested case-control study utilized data from the Ravansar Non-Communicable Disease (RaNCD) Cohort Study. The study included 491 new HTN cases identified over a 6-year follow-up period. For each case, four controls were randomly selected through density sampling. A food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) consisting of 125 food items was used to calculate dietary amino acid intake. HTN was determined based on systolic blood pressure ≥ 140 mmHg and/or diastolic blood pressure ≥ 90 mmHg and/or current use of antihypertensive medication in subjects without pre-existing HTN at the start of the cohort study. Conditional logistic regression was used to estimate crude and adjusted odds ratios for HTN risk.

RESULTS

The median intake of all amino acids was lower in patients with HTN compared to the control group. After adjusting for various variables in different models, the risk of developing HTN tended to increase with higher dietary amino acid intake (excluding tryptophan and acidic amino acids). Specifically, individuals in the third tertile had a higher risk of developing new HTN than those individuals in the lowest tertile, although this difference was not statistically significant (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSION

The findings suggest that there may be an association between increased dietary amino acid intake and the risk of developing HTN, although this association was not statistically significant in this study. Further investigations in diverse populations are needed to explore the relationship between amino acids and HTN, as well as to determine the potential positive and negative effects of specific amino acid patterns on hypertension.

Curcumin and omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids as bioactive food components with synergistic effects on Alzheimer's disease

Curcumin and omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (ω-3 PUFA) are multifunctional compounds which play an important role in Alzheimer's disease (AD) and little has been addressed about the role of these two compounds together in the progression of the disease. There is evidence of the beneficial effect of combined administration of ω-3 PUFA and other dietary supplements such as vitamins and polyphenols in the prevention of AD, although much remains to be understood about their possible complementary or synergistic activity. Therefore, the objective of this work is to review the research focused on studying the effect and mechanisms of action of curcumin, ω-3 PUFA, and the combination of these nutraceutical compounds, particularly on AD, and to integrate the possible ways in which these compounds can potentiate their effect. The most important pathophysiologies that manifest in AD will be addressed, in order to have a better understanding of the mechanisms of action through which these bioactive compounds exert a neuroprotective effect.

Research of saccharides and related biocomplexes: A review with recent techniques and applications

Saccharides and biocompounds as saccharide (sugar) complexes have various roles and biological functions in living organisms due to modifications via nucleophilic substitution, polymerization, and complex formation reactions. Mostly, mono-, di-, oligo-, and polysaccharides are stabilized to inactive glycosides, which are formed in metabolic pathways. Natural saccharides are important in food and environmental monitoring. Glycosides with various functionalities are significant in clinical and medical research. Saccharides are often studied with the chromatographic methods of hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography and anion exchange chromatograpy, but also with capillary electrophoresis and mass spectrometry with their on-line coupling systems. Sample preparation is important in the identification of saccharide compounds. The cases discussed here focus on bioscience, clinical, and food applications.

Association between serum trace element, mineral, and amino acid levels with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in adult women

The objective of the present study is assessment of serum trace element and amino acid levels in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) patients with subsequent evaluation of its independent associations with markers of liver injury and metabolic risk.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

140 women aged 20-90 years old with diagnosed NAFLD and 140 healthy women with a respective age range were enrolled in the current study. Analysis of serum and hair levels of trace elements and minerals was performed with inductively-coupled plasma mass-spectrometry (ICP-MS). Serum amino acid concentrations were evaluated by high-pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC) with UV-detection. In addition, routine biochemical parameters including liver damage markers, alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT), were assessed spectrophotometrically.

RESULTS

The findings demonstrated that patients with NAFLD were characterized by higher ALT, GGT, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and cholinesterase (CE) activity, as well as increased levels of total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglycerides, and uric acid. NAFLD patients were characterized by reduced serum and hair Co, Se, and Zn levels, as well as hair Cu content and serum Mn concentrations in comparison to controls. Circulating Ala, Cit, Glu, Gly, Ile, Leu, Phe, and Tyr levels in NAFLD patients exceeded those in the control group. Multiple linear regression demonstrated that serum and hair trace element levels were significantly associated with circulating amino acid levels after adjustment for age, BMI, and metabolic parameters including liver damage markers.

CONCLUSION

It is proposed that altered trace element handling may contribute to NAFLD pathogenesis through modulation of amino acid metabolism.

Sex-specific association of serum dehydroepiandrosterone and its sulfate levels with osteoporosis in type 2 diabetes

INTRODUCTION

This study is to investigate the relation between serum dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and its sulfate (DHEAS) levels and the risk of osteoporosis in patients with T2DM.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This cross-sectional study involved 938 hospitalized patients with T2DM. Linear regression models were used to explore the relationship between DHEA and DHEAS and the BMD at different skeletal sites. Multinominal logistic regression models and the restricted cubic spline (RCS) were used to evaluate the associations of DHEA and DHEAS with the risks of osteopenia and/or osteoporosis.

RESULTS

In postmenopausal women with T2DM, after adjustment for confounders including testosterone and estradiol, DHEA showed a significant positive correlation with lumbar spine BMD (P = 0.013). Moreover, DHEAS exhibited significant positive correlations with BMD at three skeletal sites: including femoral neck, total hip, and lumbar spine (all P < 0.05). Low DHEA and DHEAS levels were associated with increased risk of osteopenia and/or osteoporosis (all P < 0.05) and the risk of osteoporosis gradually decreased with increasing DHEAS levels (P overall = 0.018, P-nonlinear = 0.559). However, DHEA and DHEAS levels in men over the age of 50 with T2DM were not associated with any of above outcomes.

CONCLUSION

In patients with T2DM, independent of testosterone and estradiol, higher DHEA and DHEAS levels are associated with higher BMD and lower risk of osteopenia/osteoporosis in postmenopausal women but not men over the age of 50.

The shift in the fatty acid composition of the circulating lipidome in Alzheimer's disease

INTRODUCTION

Fatty acids (FAs) are the building blocks of complex lipids and signaling compounds; the role of the lipidome fatty acid profile (LFA) in AD progression remains unclear.

METHODS

The LFA of plasma and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples from 289 participants (103 AD patients, 92 MCI patients, and 94 controls) was determined by GC-FID. The MCI subjects were followed up for 58 ± 12.5 months.

RESULTS

In controls, CSF has a more neuroprotective LFA than plasma. In CSF, a higher content of docosahexaenoic acid was associated with a reduced risk of MCI-to-AD progression. In plasma, higher oleic acid content was associated with lower risk of AD, MCI, and MCI-to-AD progression, whereas higher levels of vaccenic acid and docosahexaenoic acid were associated with greater risk of AD and MCI, and higher rate of MCI-to-AD progression, respectively.

DISCUSSION

The circulating LFA is involved in the pathogenesis and progression of AD.

HIGHLIGHTS

The lipidome fatty acid profile in CSF and plasma was markedly different. Higher levels of vaccenic acid and lower levels of oleic acid in plasma were associated with greater risk of Alzheimer's disease. In plasma, higher levels of oleic acid were associated with a reduced risk of MCI-to-AD progression. Higher levels of docosahexaenoic acid in CSF were associated with a lower risk of MCI-to-AD progression. Higher levels of docosahexaenoic acid in plasma were associated with a greater rate of MCI-to-AD progression.

Effects of the Pituitary-targeted Gland Axes on Hepatic Lipid Homeostasis in Endocrine-associated Fatty Liver Disease-A Concept Worth Revisiting

Hepatic lipid homeostasis is not only essential for maintaining normal cellular and systemic metabolic function but is also closely related to the steatosis of the liver. The controversy over the nomenclature of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in the past three years has once again sparked in-depth discussions on the pathogenesis of this disease and its impact on systemic metabolism. Pituitary-targeted gland axes (PTGA), an important hormone-regulating system, are indispensable in lipid homeostasis. This review focuses on the roles of thyroid hormones, adrenal hormones, sex hormones, and their receptors in hepatic lipid homeostasis, and summarizes recent research on pituitary target gland axes-related drugs regulating hepatic lipid metabolism. It also calls on researchers and clinicians to recognize the concept of endocrine-associated fatty liver disease (EAFLD) and to re-examine human lipid metabolism from the macroscopic perspective of homeostatic balance.

A mechanistic exploration of the metabolome of African mango seeds and its potential to alleviate cognitive impairment induced by high-fat/high-carbohydrate diets: Involvement of PI3K/AKT/GSK-3β/CREB, PERK/CHOP/Bcl-2, and AMPK/SIRT-1/mTOR Axes

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Irvingia gabonensis (Aubry-Lecomte ex O'Rorke) Baill., also known as "African mango" or "bush mango", belonging to family Irvingiaceae, has been mostly used as food and traditional medicine for weight loss and to enhance the health.

AIM OF THE STUDY

The overconsumption of high-fat and high-carbohydrate (HFHC) food induces oxidative stress, leading to neurological and cognitive dysfunction. Consequently, there is an immediate need for effective treatment. Hence, this study explored the efficacy of orlistat, metformin, and I. gabonensis seeds' total aqueous extract (IG SAE) in addressing HFHC-induced cognitive impairment by mitigating oxidative stress and their underlying mechanistic pathways.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Initially, the secondary metabolite profile of IG SAE is determined using high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with a mass detector (UHPLC/MS). The in vivo study involves two phases: an established model phase with control (10 rats on a standard diet) and HFHC diet group (50 rats) for 3 months. In the study phase, HFHC is divided into 5 groups. The first subgroup receives HFHC diet only, while the remaining groups each receive HFHC diet with either Orlistat, metformin, or IG SAE at doses of 100 mg/kg and 200 mg/kg, respectively, for 28 days.

RESULTS

More than 150 phytoconstituents were characterized for the first holistic approach onto IG metabolome. Characterization of IG SAE revealed that tannins dominate metabolites in the plant. Total phenolics and flavonoids were estimated to standardize our extract (77.12 ± 7.09 μg Gallic acid equivalent/mg extract and 8.039 ± 0.53 μg Rutin equivalent/mg extract, respectively). Orlistat, metformin, and IG SAE successfully reduced the body weight, blood glucose level, lipid profile, oxidative stress and neurotransmitters levels leading to improved behavioral functions as well as histological alternation. Also, IG SAE halted inflammation, apoptosis, and endoplasmic reticulum stress, together with promoting autophagy, via modulation of PI3K/AKT/GSK-3β/CREB, PERK/CHOP/Bcl-2 and AMPK/SIRT-1/m-TOR pathways.

CONCLUSION

Metformin, orlistat, and IG SAE offer a promising multi-target therapy to mitigate HFHC diet-induced oxidative stress, addressing cognitive function. This involves diverse molecular mechanisms, particularly the modulation of inflammation, ER stress, and both PI3K/AKT/GSK-3β/CREB and AMPK/SIRT-1/m-TOR pathways. Furthermore, the higher dose of IG SAE demonstrated effects comparable to orlistat and metformin across most studied parameters.

Novel insights into macrophage immunometabolism in nonalcoholic steatohepatitis

Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), an inflammatory subtype of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), is characterized by liver steatosis, inflammation, hepatocellular injury and different degrees of fibrosis, and has been becoming the leading cause of liver-related morbidity and mortality worldwide. Unfortunately, the pathogenesis of NASH has not been completely clarified, and there are no approved therapeutic drugs. Recent accumulated evidences have revealed the involvement of macrophage in the regulation of host liver steatosis, inflammation and fibrosis, and different phenotypes of macrophages have different metabolic characteristics. Therefore, targeted regulation of macrophage immunometabolism may contribute to the treatment and prognosis of NASH. In this review, we summarized the current evidences of the role of macrophage immunometabolism in NASH, especially focused on the related function conversion, as well as the strategies to promote its polarization balance in the liver, and hold promise for macrophage immunometabolism-targeted therapies in the treatment of NASH.

Asparagine reduces the risk of schizophrenia: a bidirectional two-sample mendelian randomization study of aspartate, asparagine and schizophrenia

BACKGROUND

Despite ongoing research, the underlying causes of schizophrenia remain unclear. Aspartate and asparagine, essential amino acids, have been linked to schizophrenia in recent studies, but their causal relationship is still unclear. This study used a bidirectional two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) method to explore the causal relationship between aspartate and asparagine with schizophrenia.

METHODS

This study employed summary data from genome-wide association studies (GWAS) conducted on European populations to examine the correlation between aspartate and asparagine with schizophrenia. In order to investigate the causal effects of aspartate and asparagine on schizophrenia, this study conducted a two-sample bidirectional MR analysis using genetic factors as instrumental variables.

RESULTS

No causal relationship was found between aspartate and schizophrenia, with an odds ratio (OR) of 1.221 (95%CI: 0.483-3.088, P-value = 0.674). Reverse MR analysis also indicated that no causal effects were found between schizophrenia and aspartate, with an OR of 0.999 (95%CI: 0.987-1.010, P-value = 0.841). There is a negative causal relationship between asparagine and schizophrenia, with an OR of 0.485 (95%CI: 0.262-0.900, P-value = 0.020). Reverse MR analysis indicates that there is no causal effect between schizophrenia and asparagine, with an OR of 1.005(95%CI: 0.999-1.011, P-value = 0.132).

CONCLUSION

This study suggests that there may be a potential risk reduction for schizophrenia with increased levels of asparagine, while also indicating the absence of a causal link between elevated or diminished levels of asparagine in individuals diagnosed with schizophrenia. There is no potential causal relationship between aspartate and schizophrenia, whether prospective or reverse MR. However, it is important to note that these associations necessitate additional research for further validation.

Untargeted metabolomics based on ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry/MS reveals the lipid-lowering mechanism of taurine in hyperlipidemia mice

Introduction

Taurine has a prominent lipid-lowering effect on hyperlipidemia. However, a comprehensive analysis of the effects of taurine on endogenous metabolites in hyperlipidemia has not been documented. This study aimed to explore the impact of taurine on multiple metabolites associated with hyperlipidemia.

Methods

The hyperlipidemic mouse model was induced by high-fat diet (HFD). Taurine was administered via oral gavage at doses of 700  mg/kg/day for 14  weeks. Evaluation of body weight, serum lipid levels, and histopathology of the liver and adipose tissue was performed to confirm the lipid-lowering effect of taurine. Ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS)-based metabonomics analyses of serum, urine, feces, and liver, coupled with multivariate data analysis, were conducted to assess changes in the endogenous metabolites.

Results and discussion

Biochemical and histological examinations demonstrated that taurine administration prevented weight gain and dyslipidemia, and alleviated lipid deposition in the liver and adipose tissue in hyperlipidemic mice. A total of 76 differential metabolites were identified by UPLC-MS-based metabolomics approach, mainly involving BAs, GPs, SMs, DGs, TGs, PUFAs and amino acids. Taurine was found to partially prevent HFDinduced abnormalities in the aforementioned metabolites. Using KEGG database and MetaboAnalyst software, it was determined that taurine effectively alleviates metabolic abnormalities caused by HFD, including fatty acid metabolism, sphingolipid metabolism, glycerophospholipid metabolism, diacylglycerol metabolism, amino acid metabolism, bile acid and taurine metabolism, taurine and hypotaurine metabolism. Moreover, DGs, GPs and SMs, and taurine itself may serve as active metabolites in facilitating various anti-hyperlipidemia signal pathways associated with taurine. This study provides new evidence for taurine to prevent hyperlipidemia.

Identification of potential serum biomarkers associated with HbA1c levels in Indian type 2 diabetic subjects using NMR-based metabolomics

BACKGROUND

The prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), a progressive metabolic disorder characterized by chronic hyperglycemia and the development of insulin resistance, has increased globally, with worrying statistics coming from children, adolescents, and young adults from developing countries like India. Here, we investigated unique circulating metabolic signatures associated with prediabetes and T2DM in an Indian cohort using NMR-based metabolomics.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The study subjects included healthy volunteers (N = 101), prediabetic subjects (N = 75), and T2DM patients (N = 108). Serum metabolic profiling was performed using 1H NMR spectroscopy and major perturbed metabolites were identified by multivariate analysis and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) modules.

RESULTS

Of the 36 aqueous abundant metabolites, 24 showed a statistically significant difference between healthy volunteers, prediabetics, and established T2DM subjects. On performing multivariate ROC curve analysis with 5 commonly dysregulated metabolites (namely, glucose, pyroglutamate, o-phosphocholine, serine, and methionine) in prediabetes and T2DM, AUC values obtained were 0.96 (95 % confidence interval (CI) = 0.93, 0.98) for T2DM; and 0.88 (95 % CI = 0.81, 0.93) for prediabetic subjects, respectively.

CONCLUSION

We propose that the identified metabolite panel can be used in the future as a biomarker for clinical diagnosis, patient surveillance, and for predicting individuals at risk for developing diabetes.

Effects of Ganjianglingzhu Decoction on Lean Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease in Mice Based on Untargeted Metabolomics

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is usually associated with obesity. However, it is crucial to recognize that NAFLD can also occur in lean individuals, which is frequently overlooked. Without an approved pharmacological therapy for lean NAFLD, we aimed to investigate whether the Ganjianglingzhu (GJLZ) decoction, a representative traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), protects against lean NAFLD and explore the potential mechanism underlying these protective effects. The mouse model of lean NAFLD was established with a methionine-choline-deficient (MCD) diet in male C57BL/6 mice to be compared with the control group fed the methionine-choline-sufficient (MCS) diet. After four weeks, physiological saline, a low dose of GJLZ decoction (GL), or a high dose of GJLZ decoction (GH) was administered daily by gavage to the MCD group; the MCS group was given physiological saline by gavage. Untargeted metabolomics techniques were used to explore further the potential mechanism of the effects of GJLZ on lean NAFLD. Different doses of GJLZ decoction were able to ameliorate steatosis, inflammation, fibrosis, and oxidative stress in the liver; GL performed a better effect on lean NAFLD. In addition, 78 candidate differential metabolites were screened and identified. Combined with metabolite pathway enrichment analysis, GL was capable of regulating the glucose and lipid metabolite pathway in lean NAFLD and regulating the glycerophospholipid metabolism by altering the levels of sn-3-O-(geranylgeranyl)glycerol 1-phosphate and lysoPC(P-18:0/0:0). GJLZ may protect against the development of lean NAFLD by regulating glucose and lipid metabolism, inhibiting the levels of sn-3-O-(geranylgeranyl)glycerol 1-phosphate and lysoPC(P-18:0/0:0) in glycerophospholipid metabolism.

Influence of Adipokines on Metabolic Dysfunction and Aging

Currently, 30% of the global population is overweight or obese, with projections from the World Obesity Federation suggesting that this figure will surpass 50% by 2035. Adipose tissue dysfunction, a primary characteristic of obesity, is closely associated with an increased risk of metabolic abnormalities, such as hypertension, hyperglycemia, and dyslipidemia, collectively termed metabolic syndrome. In particular, visceral fat accretion is considered as a hallmark of aging and is strongly linked to higher mortality rates in humans. Adipokines, bioactive peptides secreted by adipose tissue, play crucial roles in regulating appetite, satiety, adiposity, and metabolic balance, thereby rendering them key players in alleviating metabolic diseases and potentially extending health span. In this review, we elucidated the role of adipokines in the development of obesity and related metabolic disorders while also exploring the potential of certain adipokines as candidates for longevity interventions.

Optimization of the quantitative protocol for organic acid in fecal samples using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry

Organic acids (OAs) play important roles in a variety of intracellular metabolic pathways, such as the tricarboxylic acid cycle, fatty acid oxidation, glycolysis. The accurate detection of OAs in fecal samples was crucial for comprehending the metabolic changes associated with various metabolic disease. However, the analytical protocol detecting OAs profiling in feces have received scant attention. In this work, an optimized protocol based on chromatography-mass spectrometry for simultaneous quantification of 23 OAs in rat feces was developed. The optimal conditions involved using a 40-mg fecal sample mixed with isopropyl alcohol, acetonitrile, and deionized water (3:2:2 vol ratio) with a total volume of 1500 μL, followed by ultrasonic extraction and a derivatization reaction with an 80 μL derivative agent. The protocol showed an acceptable linearity (R2 ≥ 0.9906), the satisfactory precision (RSD% ≤ 14.87%), the low limits of detection (0.001 to 1 μg/mL) and the limit of quantification (0.005 to 1.5 μg/mL). Moreover, the dried residues of the extracted solution showed the better stability of OAs at -20 °C, which was more suitable for a large-scale sample analysis. Finally, the developed protocol was successfully applied to compare the difference of OAs profiling in fecal samples harvested from normal and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease rats, which was beneficial to find out the metabolic change of OAs profiling and explain the related mechanism of the disease.

Metabolomics assisted by transcriptomics analysis to reveal metabolic characteristics and potential biomarkers associated with treatment response of neoadjuvant therapy with TCbHP regimen in HER2 + breast cancer

BACKGROUND

This study aimed to explore potential indicators associated with the neoadjuvant efficacy of TCbHP regimen (taxane, carboplatin, trastuzumab, and pertuzumab) in HER2 + breast cancer (BrCa) patients.

METHODS

A total of 120 plasma samples from 40 patients with HER2 + BrCa were prospectively collected at three treatment times of neoadjuvant therapy (NAT) with TCbHP regimen. Serum metabolites were analyzed based on LC-MS and GC-MS data. Random forest was used to establish predictive models based on pre-therapeutic differentially expressed metabolites. Time series analysis was used to obtain potential monitors for treatment response. Transcriptome analysis was performed in nine available pre‑therapeutic specimens of core needle biopsies. Integrated analyses of metabolomics and transcriptomics were also performed in these nine patients. qRT-PCR was used to detect altered genes in trastuzumab-sensitive and trastuzumab-resistant cell lines.

RESULTS

Twenty-one patients achieved pCR, and 19 patients achieved non-pCR. There were significant differences in plasma metabolic profiles before and during treatment. A total of 100 differential metabolites were identified between pCR patients and non-pCR patients at baseline; these metabolites were markedly enriched in 40 metabolic pathways. The area under the curve (AUC) values for discriminating the pCR and non-PCR groups from the NAT of the single potential metabolite [sophorose, N-(2-acetamido) iminodiacetic acid, taurine and 6-hydroxy-2-aminohexanoic acid] or combined panel of these metabolites were greater than 0.910. Eighteen metabolites exhibited potential for monitoring efficacy. Several validated genes might be associated with trastuzumab resistance. Thirty-nine altered pathways were found to be abnormally expressed at both the transcriptional and metabolic levels.

CONCLUSION

Serum-metabolomics could be used as a powerful tool for exploring informative biomarkers for predicting or monitoring treatment efficacy. Metabolomics integrated with transcriptomics analysis could assist in obtaining new insights into biochemical pathophysiology and might facilitate the development of new treatment targets for insensitive patients.

Profiling of serum metabolome of breast cancer: multi-cancer features discriminate between healthy women and patients with breast cancer

Introduction

The progression of solid cancers is manifested at the systemic level as molecular changes in the metabolome of body fluids, an emerging source of cancer biomarkers.

Methods

We analyzed quantitatively the serum metabolite profile using high-resolution mass spectrometry. Metabolic profiles were compared between breast cancer patients (n=112) and two groups of healthy women (from Poland and Norway; n=95 and n=112, respectively) with similar age distributions.

Results

Despite differences between both cohorts of controls, a set of 43 metabolites and lipids uniformly discriminated against breast cancer patients and healthy women. Moreover, smaller groups of female patients with other types of solid cancers (colorectal, head and neck, and lung cancers) were analyzed, which revealed a set of 42 metabolites and lipids that uniformly differentiated all three cancer types from both cohorts of healthy women. A common part of both sets, which could be called a multi-cancer signature, contained 23 compounds, which included reduced levels of a few amino acids (alanine, aspartate, glutamine, histidine, phenylalanine, and leucine/isoleucine), lysophosphatidylcholines (exemplified by LPC(18:0)), and diglycerides. Interestingly, a reduced concentration of the most abundant cholesteryl ester (CE(18:2)) typical for other cancers was the least significant in the serum of breast cancer patients. Components present in a multi-cancer signature enabled the establishment of a well-performing breast cancer classifier, which predicted cancer with a very high precision in independent groups of women (AUC>0.95).

Discussion

In conclusion, metabolites critical for discriminating breast cancer patients from controls included components of hypothetical multi-cancer signature, which indicated wider potential applicability of a general serum metabolome cancer biomarker.

High prevalence of MAFLD in general population: A large cross-sectional study calls for concerted public health action

BACKGROUND

Metabolic associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) is a relatively new term with limited studies done in South Asian population.

AIM

To determine prevalence and clinico-epidemiological characteristics of MAFLD in general population.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study was conducted in randomly selected regions across Delhi, India. Data were collected on socio-demographic particulars, health status and lifestyle factors. Anthropometric measurements, transient elastography, and laboratory investigations were carried out.

RESULTS

Altogether 6146 participants (mean age: 43.1 ± 13.9 years, 48.1% males) were included. The prevalence of MAFLD was 56.4% (n = 3468), of which lean MAFLD constituted 11.3%. Higher age (OR: 2.47; 95% CI: 2.21-2.76), low education level (OR: 1.23; 95% CI: 1.09-1.39), upper socio-economic class (OR: 1.32; 95% CI: 1.17-1.49), and low physical activity (OR: 1.15; 95% CI: 1.03-1.28) were more common in MAFLD. The association of female sex with MAFLD differed in age groups <40 years (OR: 0.64 and 95% CI: 0.55-0.75) and >40 years (OR: 1.40 and 95% CI: 1.22-1.62) in both magnitude and direction (p < 0.001). Liver fibrosis was present in 23% of the study population (32.2% among MAFLD group). Advanced liver fibrosis was three times more common in MAFLD group (6.2% vs 1.8%, p < 0.001). Obesity and fibrosis had a statistically significant relationship and 75.8% of the individuals with advanced stages of fibrosis had obesity.

CONCLUSION

Nearly half of study population was found to have MAFLD. Advanced hepatic fibrosis was three times more common in these subjects. Aggressive public health measures are urgently required to raise awareness and introduce interventional strategies.

Mass spectrometry imaging methods for visualizing tumor heterogeneity

Profiling spatial distributions of lipids, metabolites, and proteins in tumors can reveal unique cellular microenvironments and provide molecular evidence for cancer cell dysfunction and proliferation. Mass spectrometry imaging (MSI) is a label-free technique that can be used to map biomolecules in tumors in situ. Here, we discuss current progress in applying MSI to uncover molecular heterogeneity in tumors. First, the analytical strategies to profile small molecules and proteins are outlined, and current methods for multimodal imaging to maximize biological information are highlighted. Second, we present and summarize biological insights obtained by MSI of tumor tissue. Finally, we discuss important considerations for designing MSI experiments and several current analytical challenges.

The association between different types of amino acid intake and physical growth among children

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Restricted linear growth and abnormal weight status are commonly observed among children in low-income countries, possibly due to inadequate protein intake. Considering the role of protein intake and amino acid (AA) synthesis in growth and development, it has been suggested that there may be an association between AA intake and physical growth. We aimed to investigate the association between different types of AA intake and physical growth among children.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study including 780 six-year-old children referred to 10 health care centers for vaccination between October 2017 and March 2018 was conducted. Anthropometric data was collected using standard methods, and dietary intake was assessed using a validated food-frequency questionnaire (FFQ)‏ in an interview by a trained technician.

RESULTS

Children in the highest tertile (3rd) of branched-chain amino acids (BCAA) intake had a higher weight-for-age z-score (WAZ) (P = 0.02) and body mass index-for-age z-score (BAZ) (P = 0.001) compared to those in the lowest tertile (1st). Interestingly, BAZ was significantly associated with the highest tertile of acidic AA intake (P = 0.04), while an inverse association was observed between the highest tertile of aromatic AA (phenylalanine and tyrosine) intake and BAZ (P = 0.01) . No significant associations were observed between the highest tertile of sulfuric, aliphatic, or neutral AA and BAZ, height-for-age z-score (HAZ) or WAZ. Further, underweight was associated with the 3rd tertile of aromatic, alcoholic, aliphatic or neutral AA and BCAA intake. Aliphatic and neutral AA intake was also increased the risk of overweight. Finally, stunted growth patterns were associated with the highest tertile of acidic, alcoholic.

CONCLUSION

Findings presented in this study showed that higher BAZ and WAZ are associated with 3rd tertiles of BCAA intake, but lower BAZ were associated with 3rd tertiles of aromatic AA (phenylalanine and tyrosine) intake. Future research in other populations are needed to confirm these findings.

Perspectives on folate with special reference to epigenetics and neural tube defects

Folate is a micronutrient essential for DNA synthesis, cell division, fetal growth and development. Folate deficiency leads to genomic instability. Inadequate intake of folate during conception may lead to neural tube defects (NTDs) in the offspring. Folate influences the DNA methylation, histone methylation and homocysteine mediated gene methylation. DNA methylation influences the expression of microRNAs (miRNAs). Folate deficiency may be associated with miRNAs misregulation leading to NTDs. Mitochondrial epigenetics and folate metabolism has proved to be involved in embryogenesis and neural tube development. Folate related genetic variants also cause the occurrence of NTDs. Unmetabolized excessive folate may affect health adversely. Hence estimation of folate levels in the blood plays an important role in high-risk cases.

Immunomodulation through Nutrition Should Be a Key Trend in Type 2 Diabetes Treatment

An organism's ability to function properly depends not solely on its diet but also on the intake of nutrients and non-nutritive bioactive compounds that exert immunomodulatory effects. This principle applies both to healthy individuals and, in particular, to those with concomitant chronic conditions, such as type 2 diabetes. However, the current food industry and the widespread use of highly processed foods often lead to nutritional deficiencies. Numerous studies have confirmed the occurrence of immune system dysfunction in patients with type 2 diabetes. This article elucidates the impact of specific nutrients on the immune system function, which maintains homeostasis of the organism, with a particular emphasis on type 2 diabetes. The role of macronutrients, micronutrients, vitamins, and selected substances, such as omega-3 fatty acids, coenzyme Q10, and alpha-lipoic acid, was taken into consideration, which outlined the minimum range of tests that ought to be performed on patients in order to either directly or indirectly determine the severity of malnutrition in this group of patients.

Mangiferin, a Potential Supplement to Improve Metabolic Syndrome: Current Status and Future Opportunities

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) represents a considerable clinical and public health burden worldwide. Mangiferin (MF), a flavonoid compound present in diverse species such as mango (Mangifera indica L.), papaya (Pseudocydonia sinensis (Thouin) C. K. Schneid.), zhimu (Anemarrhena asphodeloides Bunge), and honeybush tea (Cyclopia genistoides), boasts a broad array of pharmacological effects. It holds promising uses in nutritionally and functionally targeted foods, particularly concerning MetS treatment. It is therefore pivotal to systematically investigate MF's therapeutic mechanism for MetS and its applications in food and pharmaceutical sectors. This review, with the aid of a network pharmacology approach complemented by this experimental studies, unravels possible mechanisms underlying MF's MetS treatment. Network pharmacology results suggest that MF treats MetS effectively through promoting insulin secretion, targeting obesity and inflammation, alleviating insulin resistance (IR), and mainly operating via the phosphatidylinositol 3 kinase (PI3K)/Akt, nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-[Formula: see text]B), microtubule-associated protein kinase (MAPK), and oxidative stress signaling pathways while repairing damaged insulin signaling. These insights provide a comprehensive framework to understand MF's potential mechanisms in treating MetS. These, however, warrant further experimental validation. Moreover, molecular docking techniques confirmed the plausibility of the predicted outcomes. Hereafter, these findings might form the theoretical bedrock for prospective research into MF's therapeutic potential in MetS therapy.

A genetic mouse model of lean-NAFLD unveils sexual dimorphism in the liver-heart axis

Lean patients with NAFLD may develop cardiac complications independently of pre-existent metabolic disruptions and comorbidities. To address the underlying mechanisms independent of the development of obesity, we used a murine model of hepatic mitochondrial deficiency. The liver-heart axis was studied as these mice develop microvesicular steatosis without obesity. Our results unveil a sex-dependent phenotypic remodeling beyond liver damage. Males, more than females, show fasting hypoglycemia and increased insulin sensitivity. They exhibit diastolic dysfunction, remodeling of the circulating lipoproteins and cardiac lipidome. Conversely, females do not manifest cardiac dysfunction but exhibit cardiometabolic impairments supported by impaired mitochondrial integrity and β-oxidation, remodeling of circulating lipoproteins and intracardiac accumulation of deleterious triglycerides. This study underscores metabolic defects in the liver resulting in significant sex-dependent cardiac abnormalities independent of obesity. This experimental model may prove useful to better understand the sex-related variability, notably in the heart, involved in the progression of lean-NAFLD.

NMR and MS reveal characteristic metabolome atlas and optimize esophageal squamous cell carcinoma early detection

Metabolic changes precede malignant histology. However, it remains unclear whether detectable characteristic metabolome exists in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) tissues and biofluids for early diagnosis. Here, we conduct NMR- and MS-based metabolomics on 1,153 matched ESCC tissues, normal mucosae, pre- and one-week post-operative sera and urines from 560 participants across three hospitals, with machine learning and WGCNA. Aberrations in 'alanine, aspartate and glutamate metabolism' proved to be prevalent throughout the ESCC evolution, consistently identified by NMR and MS, and reflected in 16 serum and 10 urine metabolic signatures in both discovery and validation sets. NMR-based simplified panels of any five serum or urine metabolites outperform clinical serological tumor markers (AUC = 0.984 and 0.930, respectively), and are effective in distinguishing early-stage ESCC in test set (serum accuracy = 0.994, urine accuracy = 0.879). Collectively, NMR-based biofluid screening can reveal characteristic metabolic events of ESCC and be feasible for early detection (ChiCTR2300073613).

The association between dietary intake of branched-chain amino acids and odds and severity of rheumatoid arthritis

This case-control study investigated the link between dietary branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) and the risk and severity of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). We assessed dietary BCAA intake in 95 RA patients and 190 matched controls using a food frequency questionnaire. We also assessed the disease severity using the disease activity score 28 (DAS-28), ESR, VAS, morning stiffness, and tender and swollen joints. Higher BCAA intake, expressed as a percentage of total protein, was significantly associated with increased risk of RA for total BCAAs (OR 2.14, 95% CI 1.53-3.00, P < 0.001), leucine (OR 2.40, 95% CI 1.70-3.38, P < 0.001), isoleucine (OR 2.04, 95% CI 1.46-2.85, P < 0.001), and valine (OR 1.87, 95% CI 1.35-2.59, P < 0.001). These associations remained significant even after adjusting for potential confounders (P < 0.001). However, BCAA intake did not show any significant association with RA severity in either crude or multivariate models (P > 0.05). Our findings suggest that higher dietary BCAA intake may contribute to the development of RA, but further research is needed to confirm these observations and explore the underlying mechanisms.

Global epidemiology of type 2 diabetes in patients with NAFLD or MAFLD: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and metabolic-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) shares common pathophysiological mechanisms with type 2 diabetes, making them significant risk factors for type 2 diabetes. The present study aimed to assess the epidemiological feature of type 2 diabetes in patients with NAFLD or MAFLD at global levels.

METHODS

Published studies were searched for terms that included type 2 diabetes, and NAFLD or MAFLD using PubMed, EMBASE, MEDLINE, and Web of Science databases from their inception to December 2022. The pooled global and regional prevalence and incidence density of type 2 diabetes in patients with NAFLD or MAFLD were evaluated using random-effects meta-analysis. Potential sources of heterogeneity were investigated using stratified meta-analysis and meta-regression.

RESULTS

A total of 395 studies (6,878,568 participants with NAFLD; 1,172,637 participants with MAFLD) from 40 countries or areas were included in the meta-analysis. The pooled prevalence of type 2 diabetes among NAFLD or MAFLD patients was 28.3% (95% confidence interval 25.2-31.6%) and 26.2% (23.9-28.6%) globally. The incidence density of type 2 diabetes in NAFLD or MAFLD patients was 24.6 per 1000-person year (20.7 to 29.2) and 26.9 per 1000-person year (7.3 to 44.4), respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

The present study describes the global prevalence and incidence of type 2 diabetes in patients with NAFLD or MAFLD. The study findings serve as a valuable resource to assess the global clinical and economic impact of type 2 diabetes in patients with NAFLD or MAFLD.

Comparison of the effects of monounsaturated fatty acids and polyunsaturated fatty acids on the lipotoxicity of islets

Background

Monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs) and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) have been reported to combat saturated fatty acid (SFA)-induced cellular damage, however, their clinical effects on patients with metabolic diseases such as diabetes and hyperlipidemia are still controversial. Since comparative studies of the effects of these two types of unsaturated fatty acids (UFAs) are still limited. In this study, we aimed to compare the protective effects of various UFAs on pancreatic islets under the stress of SFA-induced metabolic disorder and lipotoxicity.

Methods

Rat insulinoma cell line INS-1E were treated with palmitic acid (PA) with or without UFAs including eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), arachidonic acid (AA), and oleic acid (OA) to determine cell viability, apoptosis, endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, and inflammatory. In vivo, male C57BL/6 mice were fed a 60% high-fat diet (HFD) for 12 w. Then the lard in HFD was partially replaced with fish oil (FO) and olive oil (OO) at low or high proportions of energy (5% or 20%) to observe the ameliorative effects of the UFA supplement.

Results

All UFAs significantly improved PA-induced cell viability impairment in INS-1E cells, and their alleviation on PA induced apoptosis, ER stress and inflammation were confirmed. Particularly, OA had better effects than EPA, DHA, and AA on attenuating cellular ER stress. In vivo, the diets with a low proportion of UFAs (5% of energy) had limited effects on HFD induced metabolic disorder, except for a slight improved intraperitoneal glucose tolerance in obese mice. However, when fed diets containing a high proportion of UFAs (20% of energy), both the FO and OO groups exhibited substantially improved glucose and lipid metabolism, such as decrease in total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), fasting blood glucose (FBG), and fasting blood insulin (FBI)) and improvement of insulin sensitivity evidenced by intraperitoneal glucose tolerance test (IPGTT) and intraperitoneal insulin tolerance test (IPITT). Unexpectedly, FO resulted in abnormal elevation of the liver function index aspartate aminotransferase (AST) in serum. Pathologically, OO attenuated HFD-induced compensatory hyperplasia of pancreatic islets, while this effect was not obvious in the FO group.

Conclusions

Both MUFAs and PUFAs can effectively protect islet β cells from SFA-induced cellular lipotoxicity. In particular, both OA in vitro and OO in vivo showed superior activities on protecting islets function and enhance insulin sensitivity, suggesting that MUFAs might have greater potential for nutritional intervention on diabetes.

Gut microbiota and metabolic biomarkers in metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease

Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), a replacement of the nomenclature employed for NAFLD, is the most prevalent chronic liver disease worldwide. Despite its high global prevalence, NAFLD is often under-recognized due to the absence of reliable noninvasive biomarkers for diagnosis and staging. Growing evidence suggests that the gut microbiome plays a significant role in the occurrence and progression of NAFLD by causing immune dysregulation and metabolic alterations due to gut dysbiosis. The rapid advancement of sequencing tools and metabolomics has enabled the identification of alterations in microbiome signatures and gut microbiota-derived metabolite profiles in numerous clinical studies related to NAFLD. Overall, these studies have shown a decrease in α-diversity and changes in gut microbiota abundance, characterized by increased levels of Escherichia and Prevotella, and decreased levels of Akkermansia muciniphila and Faecalibacterium in patients with NAFLD. Furthermore, bile acids, short-chain fatty acids, trimethylamine N-oxide, and tryptophan metabolites are believed to be closely associated with the onset and progression of NAFLD. In this review, we provide novel insights into the vital role of gut microbiome in the pathogenesis of NAFLD. Specifically, we summarize the major classes of gut microbiota and metabolic biomarkers in NAFLD, thereby highlighting the links between specific bacterial species and certain gut microbiota-derived metabolites in patients with NAFLD.