1D-¹H-nuclear magnetic resonance metabolomics reveals age-related changes in metabolites associated with experimental venous thrombosis

Metabolomic profiling of deep vein thrombosis

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) of the lower extremities is one of the most common peripheral vascular diseases, with significant complications and sequelae. Metabolomics aims to identify small molecules in biological samples. It can serve as a promising method for screening compounds that can be used for early disease detection, diagnosis, treatment response prediction, and prognosis. In addition, high-throughput metabolomics screening can yield significant insights into the pathophysiological pathways of DVT. Currently, the metabolomic profiles of DVT have yielded inconsistent expression patterns. This article examines the recent advancements in metabolomic studies of DVT and analyzes the factors that may influence the results.

Metabolomics and network pharmacology reveal the mechanism of antithrombotic effect of Asperosaponin VI

Dipsaci Radix may possess antithrombotic properties, and one of its primary active ingredients is Asperosaponin VI. However, the antithrombotic effects and pharmacological mechanisms of Asperosaponin VI remain unclear. An in vivo experimental study has demonstrated the antithrombotic activity of Asperosaponin VI. Asperosaponin VI also exhibits anticoagulant properties. Asperosaponin VI significantly hindered collagen adrenergic-induced acute pulmonary thrombosis in mice and enhanced their survival rate. This hinders the formation of acute pulmonary embolisms induced by adenosine diphosphate (ADP) and decreases recovery time. A comprehensive strategy that combines metabolomics, network pharmacology, molecular docking, and experimental validation has the potential to reveal the antithrombotic mechanisms of Asperosaponin VI. Metabolomic evidence suggests that Asperosaponin VI may influence platelet aggregation and the production of anti-inflammatory metabolites through the regulation of pathways such as phenylalanine and arachidonic acid metabolism, thereby inhibiting thrombosis. Network pharmacology identified the pharmacological targets of Asperosaponin VI and indicated that it treats thrombi by partially regulating the signaling pathways related to inflammation and platelet aggregation. Asperosaponin VI showed strong binding affinity for F2, PTPRC, JUN, STAT3, SRC, AKT1. The antiplatelet aggregation activity of Asperosaponin VI was validated based on the metabolomic and network pharmacology results. Asperosaponin VI inhibits platelet aggregation induced by ADP, AA, and collagen. Therefore, Asperosaponin VI exerts antithrombotic effects through antiplatelet aggregation. Therefore, Asperosaponin VI is a promising antithrombotic agent.

Interaction between NSCLC Cells, CD8+ T-Cells and Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors Potentiates Coagulation and Promotes Metabolic Remodeling-New Cues on CAT-VTE

BACKGROUND

Cancer-associated thrombosis (CAT) and venous thromboembolism (VTE) are frequent cancer-related complications associated with high mortality; thus, this urges the identification of predictive markers. Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) used in cancer immunotherapy allow T-cell activation against cancer cells. Retrospective studies showed increased VTE following ICI administration in some patients. Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients are at high risk of thrombosis and thus, the adoption of immunotherapy, as a first-line treatment, seems to be associated with coagulation-fibrinolysis derangement.

METHODS

We pharmacologically modulated NSCLC cell lines in co-culture with CD8+ T-cells (TCD8+) and myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs), isolated from healthy blood donors. The effects of ICIs Nivolumab and Ipilimumab on NSCLC cell death were assessed by annexin V and propidium iodide (PI) flow cytometry analysis. The potential procoagulant properties were analyzed by in vitro clotting assays and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs). The metabolic remodeling induced by the ICIs was explored by 1H nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy.

RESULTS

Flow cytometry analysis showed that TCD8+ and ICIs increase cell death in H292 and PC-9 cells but not in A549 cells. Conditioned media from NSCLC cells exposed to TCD8+ and ICI induced in vitro platelet aggregation. In A549, Podoplanin (PDPN) levels increased with Nivolumab. In H292, ICIs increased PDPN levels in the absence of TCD8+. In PC-9, Ipilimumab decreased PDPN levels, this effect being rescued by TCD8+. MDSCs did not interfere with the effect of TCD8+ in the production of TF or PDPN in any NSCLC cell lines. The exometabolome showed a metabolic remodeling in NSCLC cells upon exposure to TCD8+ and ICIs.

CONCLUSIONS

This study provides some insights into the interplay of immune cells, ICIs and cancer cells influencing the coagulation status. ICIs are important promoters of coagulation, benefiting from TCD8+ mediation. The exometabolome analysis highlighted the relevance of acetate, pyruvate, glycine, glutamine, valine, leucine and isoleucine as biomarkers. Further investigation is needed to validate this finding in a cohort of NSCLC patients.

Exploring the Occurrence Mechanism and Early-Warning Model of Phlebitis Induced by Aescinate Based on Metabolomics in Cerebral Infarction Patients

Objective

This study aims to explore the mechanism underlying the induction of phlebitis by aescinate and create an early-warning model of phlebitis based on metabolomics.

Methods

Patients with cerebral infarction enrolled had been treated with aescinate. Plasma samples were collected either before administration of aescinate, upon the occurrence of phlebitis, or at the end of treatment. Non-targeted metabolomics and targeted amino acid metabolomics were carried out to analyze metabolic profiles and quantify the metabolites.

Results

Untargeted metabolomics revealed six differential metabolites in baseline samples versus post-treatment samples and four differential metabolites in baseline samples from patients with or without phlebitis. Pathways of these differential metabolites were mainly enriched in amino acid metabolism. Ten differential amino acids with a VIP value of >1 were identified in the baseline samples, enabling us to distinguish between patients with or without phlebitis. A logistic regression model was constructed (AUC 0.825) for early warning of phlebitis of grade 2 or higher.

Conclusion

The occurrence of aescinate-induced phlebitis, which can be predicted early during onset, may be associated with perturbations of the endogenous metabolic profile, especially the metabolism of amino acids.

Development and validation of a nomogram for predicting deep venous thrombosis in patients with pelvic and acetabular fractures: a retrospective cohort study : Predictive model for pelvic/acetabular fractures

PURPOSE

To construct a novel nomogram model that can predict DVT and avoid unnecessary examination.

METHODS

Patients admitted to the hospital with pelvis/acetabular fractures were included between July 2014 and July 2018. The potential predictors associated with DVT were analyzed using Univariate and multivariable logistic regression analysis. The predictive nomogram was constructed and internally validated.

RESULTS

230 patients were finally enrolled. There were 149 individuals in the non-DVT group and 81 in the DVT group. Following analysis, we obtained the final nomogram model. The risk factors included age (OR, 1.037; 95% CI, 1.013-1.062; P = 0.002), body mass index (BMI) (OR, 1.253; 95% CI, 1.120-1.403; P < 0.001); instant application of anticoagulant after admission (IAA) (OR, 2.734; 95% CI, 0.847-8.829; P = 0.093), hemoglobin (HGB) (OR, 0.970; 95% CI, 0.954-0.986; P < 0.001), D-Dimer(OR, 1.154; 95% CI, 1.016-1.310; P = 0.027) and fibrinogen (FIB) (OR, 1.286; 95% CI, 1.024-1.616; P = 0.002). The apparent C-statistic was 0.811, and the adjusted C-statistic was 0.777 after internal validations, demonstrating good discrimination. Hosmer and Lemeshow's goodness of fit (GOF) test of the predictive model showed a good calibration for the probability of prediction and observation (χ2 = 3.285, P = 0.915; P > 0.05). The decision curve analysis (DCA) and Clinical impact plot (CIC) demonstrated superior clinical use of the nomogram.

CONCLUSIONS

An easy-to-calculate nomogram model for predicting DVT in patients with pelvic-acetabular fractures were developed. It could help clinicians to reduce DVT and avoid unnecessary examinations.

The Role of Biomarkers, Metabolomics, and COVID-19 in Venous Thromboembolism-A Review of Literature

In recent years, the field of venous thromboembolism has undergone numerous innovations, starting from the recent discoveries on the role of biomarkers, passing through the role of metabolomics in expanding our knowledge on pathogenic mechanisms, which have opened up new therapeutic targets. A variety of studies have contributed to characterizing the metabolic phenotype that occurs in venous thromboembolism, identifying numerous pathways that are altered in this setting. Among these pathways are the metabolism of carnitine, tryptophan, purine, and fatty acids. Furthermore, new evidence has emerged with the recent COVID-19 pandemic. Hypercoagulability phenomena induced by this viral infection appear to be related to altered von Willebrand factor activity, alteration of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system, and dysregulation of both innate and adaptive immunity. This is the first literature review that brings together the most recent evidence regarding biomarkers, metabolomics, and COVID-19 in the field of venous thromboembolism, while also mentioning current therapeutic protocols.

Metabolomics-based discovery of XHP as a CYP3A4 inhibitor against pancreatic cancer

Background: Xihuang Wan (XHW), a purgative and detoxifying agent, is commonly utilized in modern medicine as a treatment and adjuvant therapy for various malignancies, including breast cancer, liver cancer, and lung cancer. A clinical study demonstrated the potential usefulness of the combination of XHW and gemcitabine as a therapy for pancreatic cancer (PC), indicating that XHW’s broad-spectrum antitumor herbal combination could be beneficial in the treatment of PC. However, the precise therapeutic efficacy of XHW in treating pancreatic cancer remains uncertain.

Aim: This study assessed the biological activity of XHW by optimizing the therapeutic concentration of XHW (Xihuang pills, XHP). We performed cell culture and developed an animal test model to determine whether XHP can inhibit pancreatic cancer (PC). We also applied the well-known widely targeted metabolomics analysis and conducted specific experiments to assess the feasibility of our method in PC therapy.

Materials and Methods: We used UPLC/Q-TOF-MS to test XHP values to set up therapeutic concentrations for the in vivo test model. SW1990 pancreatic cancer cells were cultured to check the effect the anti-cancer effects of XHP by general in vitro cell analyses including CCK-8, Hoechst 33258, and flow cytometry. To develop the animal model, a solid tumor was subcutaneously formed on a mouse model of PC and assessed by immunohistochemistry and TUNEL apoptosis assay. We also applied the widely targeted metabolomics method following Western blot and RT-PCR to evaluate multiple metabolites to check the therapeutic effect of XHP in our cancer test model.

Results: Quantified analysis from UPLC/Q-TOF-MS showed the presence of the following components of XHP: 11-carbonyl-β-acetyl-boswellic acid (AKBA), 11-carbonyl-β-boswellic acid (KBA), 4-methylene-2,8,8-trimethyl-2-vinyl-bicyclo [5.2.0]nonane, and (1S-endo)-2-methyl-3-methylene-2-(4-methyl-3-3-pentenyl)-bicyclo [2.2.1heptane]. The results of the cell culture experiments demonstrated that XHP suppressed the growth of SW1990 PC cells by enhancing apoptosis. The results of the animal model tests also indicated the suppression effect of XHP on tumor growth. Furthermore, the result of the widely targeted metabolomics analysis showed that the steroid hormone biosynthesis metabolic pathway was a critical factor in the anti-PC effect of XHP in the animal model. Moreover, Western blot and RT-PCR analyses revealed XHP downregulated CYP3A4 expression as an applicable targeted therapeutic approach.

Conclusion: The results of this study demonstrated the potential of XHP in therapeutic applications in PC. Moreover, the widely targeted metabolomics method revealed CYP3A4 is a potential therapeutic target of XHP in PC control. These findings provide a high level of confidence that XHP significantly acts as a CYP3A4 inhibitor in anti-cancer therapeutic applications.

Forensic identification of sudden cardiac death: a new approach combining metabolomics and machine learning

The determination of sudden cardiac death (SCD) is one of the difficult tasks in the forensic practice, especially in the absence of specific morphological changes in the autopsies and histological investigations. In this study, we combined the metabolic characteristics from corpse specimens of cardiac blood and cardiac muscle to predict SCD. Firstly, ultra-high performance liquid chromatography coupled with high-resolution mass spectrometry (UPLC-HRMS)-based untargeted metabolomics was applied to obtain the metabolomic profiles of the specimens, and 18 and 16 differential metabolites were identified in the cardiac blood and cardiac muscle from the corpses of those who died of SCD, respectively. Several possible metabolic pathways were proposed to explain these metabolic alterations, including the metabolism of energy, amino acids, and lipids. Then, we validated the capability of these combinations of differential metabolites to distinguish between SCD and non-SCD through multiple machine learning algorithms. The results showed that stacking model integrated differential metabolites featured from the specimens showed the best performance with 92.31% accuracy, 93.08% precision, 92.31% recall, 91.96% F1 score, and 0.92 AUC. Our results revealed that the SCD metabolic signature identified by metabolomics and ensemble learning in cardiac blood and cardiac muscle has potential in SCD post-mortem diagnosis and metabolic mechanism investigations.

Serum Metabolic Profiles Based on Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy among Patients with Deep Vein Thrombosis and Healthy Controls

Deep venous thrombosis (DVT) is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Studies on changes in the level of metabolites could have the potential to reveal biomarkers that can assist in the early detection, diagnosis, monitoring of DVT progression, response to treatment, or recurrence of DVT. In this scenario, the metabolomic analysis can provide a better understanding of the biochemical dysregulations of thrombosis. Using an untargeted metabolomic approach through magnetic resonance spectroscopy and multi- and univariate statistical analysis, we compared 40 patients with previous venous thrombosis and 40 healthy individuals, and we showed important serum differences between patients and controls, especially in the spectral regions that correspond to glucose, lipids, unsaturated lipids, and glycoprotein A. Considering the groups depending on risk factors and the local of the previous episode (lower limbs or cerebral system), we also noticed differences in metabolites linked to lipids and lactate. Comparative analyses pointed to altered ratios of glucose/lactate and branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs)/alanine, which might be associated with the fingerprints of thrombosis. Although samples for metabolomic analysis were collected months after the acute episode, these results highlighted that, alterations can still remain and may contribute to a better understanding of the complications of the disease.

Fecal metabolomic profiles: A comparative study of patients with colorectal cancer vs adenomatous polyps

BACKGROUND

Colorectal cancer (CRC), the third most common cause of death in both males and females worldwide, shows a positive response to therapy and usually a better prognosis when detected at an early stage. However, the survival rate declines when the diagnosis is late and the tumor spreads to other organs. Currently, the measures widely used in the clinic are fecal occult blood test and evaluation of serum tumor markers, but the lack of sensitivity and specificity of these markers restricts their use for CRC diagnosis. Due to its high sensitivity and precision, colonoscopy is currently the gold-standard screening technique for CRC, but it is a costly and invasive procedure. Therefore, the implementation of custom-made methodologies including those with minimal invasiveness, protection, and reproducibility is highly desirable. With regard to other screening methods, the screening of fecal samples has several benefits, and metabolomics is a successful method to classify the metabolite shift in living systems as a reaction to pathophysiological influences, genetic modifications, and environmental factors.

AIM

To characterize the variation groups and potentially recognize some diagnostic markers, we compared with healthy controls (HCs) the fecal nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) metabolomic profiles of patients with CRC or adenomatous polyposis (AP).

METHODS

Proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy was used in combination with multivariate and univariate statistical approaches, to define the fecal metabolic profiles of 32 CRC patients, 16 AP patients, and 38 HCs well matched in age, sex, and body mass index.

RESULTS

NMR metabolomic analyses revealed that fecal sample profiles differed among CRC patients, AP patients, and HCs, and some discriminatory metabolites including acetate, butyrate, propionate, 3-hydroxyphenylacetic acid, valine, tyrosine and leucine were identified.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, we are confident that our data can be a forerunner for future studies on CRC management, especially the diagnosis and evaluation of the effectiveness of treatments.

Metabolomic Profile in Venous Thromboembolism (VTE)

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a condition comprising deep venous thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE). The prevalence of this disease is constantly increasing and it is also a chief reason for morbidity. Therefore, the primary prevention of VTE remains a highly important public health issue. At present, its diagnosis generally relies on subjective clinical examination and ultrasound imaging. D-dimer is also used as a biomarker, but it is considered to be poorly specific and only moderately sensitive. There are also no reliable methods that could accurately guide the type of treatment and potentially identify patients who may benefit from more aggressive therapies without the risk of bleeding. The application of metabolomics profiling in the area of vascular diseases may become a turning point in early diagnosis and patient management. Among the most described metabolites possibly related to VTE are carnitine species, glucose, phenylalanine, 3-hydroxybutarate, lactic acid, tryptophan and some monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids. The cell response to acute PE was suggested to involve the uncoupling between glycolysis and oxidative phosphorylation. Despite technological advancement in the identification of metabolites and their alteration in thrombosis, we still do not understand the mechanisms and pathways responsible for the occurrence of observed alterations.

Time-dependent replicative senescence vs. disturbed flow-induced pre-mature aging in atherosclerosis

Accumulation of senescent cells has a causative role in the pathology of age-related disorders including atherosclerosis (AS) and cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). However, the concept of senescence is now drastically changing, and the new concept of senescence-associated reprogramming/stemness has emerged, suggesting that senescence is not merely related to “cell cycle arrest” or halting various cellular functions. It is well known that disturbed flow (D-flow) accelerates pre-mature aging and plays a significant role in the development of AS. We will discuss in this review that pre-mature aging induced by D-flow is not comparable to time-dependent aging, particularly with a focus on the possible involvement of senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP) in senescence-associated reprogramming/stemness, or increasing cell numbers. We will also present our outlook of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotides (NAD)⁺ deficiency-induced mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (mtROS) in evoking SASP by activating DNA damage response (DDR). MtROS plays a key role in developing cross-talk between nuclear-mitochondria, SASP, and ultimately atherosclerosis formation. Although senescence induced by time and various stress factors is a classical concept, we wish that the readers will see the undergoing Copernican-like change in this concept, as well as to recognize the significant contrast between pre-mature aging induced by D-flow and time-dependent aging.

Metabolic Phenotyping in Venous Disease: The Need for Standardization

Venous thromboembolism (VTE), chronic venous disease (CVD), and venous leg ulceration (VLU) are clinical manifestations of a poorly functioning venous system. Though common, much is unknown of the pathophysiology and progression of these conditions. Metabolic phenotyping has been employed to explore mechanistic pathways involved in venous disease. A systematic literature review was performed: full text, primary research articles on the applications of nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR) and mass spectrometry (MS) in human participants and animals were included for qualitative synthesis. Seventeen studies applying metabolic phenotyping to venous disease were identified: six on CVD, two on VLU, and nine on VTE; both animal (n = 6) and human (n = 10) experimental designs were reported, with one study including both. NMR, MS, and MS imaging were employed to characterize serum, plasma, urine, wound fluid, and tissue. Metabolites found to be upregulated in CVD included lipids, branched chain amino acids (BCAA), glutamate, taurine, lactate, and myo-inositol identified in vein tissue. Upregulated metabolites in VLU included lactate, BCAA, lysine, 3-hydroxybutyrate, and glutamate identified in wound fluid and ulcer biopsies. VTE cases were associated with reduced carnitine levels, upregulated aromatic amino acids, 3-hydroxybutyrate, BCAA, and lipids in plasma, serum, thrombus, and vein wall; kynurenine and tricarboxylic acid pathway dysfunction were reported. Future research should focus on targeted studies with internal and external validation.

Atypical Antipsychotic Exposure May Not Differentiate Metabolic Phenotypes of Patients with Schizophrenia

STUDY OBJECTIVE

Patients with schizophrenia are known to have higher rates of metabolic disease than the general population. Contributing factors likely include lifestyle and atypical antipsychotic (AAP) use, but the underlying mechanisms are unknown. The objective of this study was to identify metabolomic variability in adult patients with schizophrenia who were taking AAPs and grouped by fasting insulin concentration, our surrogate marker for metabolic risk.

DESIGN

Metabolomics analysis PARTICIPANTS: Ninety-four adult patients with schizophrenia who were taking an AAP for at least 6 months, with no changes in their antipsychotic regimen for the previous 8 weeks, and who did not require treatment with insulin, participated in the study. Twenty age- and sex-matched nonobese (10 subjects) and obese (10 subjects) controls without cardiovascular disease or mental health diagnoses were used to match the body mass index (BMI) range of the patients with schizophrenia to account for metabolite concentration differences attributable to BMI.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

Existing serum samples were used to identify aqueous metabolites (to differentiate fasting insulin concentration quartiles) and fatty acids with quantitative nuclear magnetic resonance and gas chromatography methods, respectively. To exclude metabolites from our pathway mapping analysis that were due to variability in weight, we also subjected serum samples from the nonobese and obese controls to the same analyses. Patients with schizophrenia had a median age of 47.0 years (interquartile range 41.0-52.0 years). Using a false discovery rate threshold of less than 25%, 10 metabolites, not attributable to weight, differentiated insulin concentration quartiles in patients with schizophrenia and identified variability in one-carbon metabolism between groups. Patients with higher fasting insulin concentrations (quartiles 3 and 4) also trended toward higher levels of saturated fatty acids compared with patients with lower fasting insulin concentrations (quartiles 1 and 2).

CONCLUSION

Our results illustrate the utility of metabolomics to identify pathways underlying variable fasting insulin concentration in patients with schizophrenia. Importantly, no significant difference in AAP exposure was observed among groups, suggesting that current antipsychotic use may not be a primary factor that differentiates middle-aged adult patients with schizophrenia by fasting insulin concentration.