Integrative Molecular Phenotyping
INTEGRATIVE MOLECULAR
PHENOTYPING
WHEELOCK LABORATORY
DEPARTMENT OF MEDICAL
BIOCHEMISTRY AND BIOPHYSICS
WHEELOCK LABORATORY
DEPARTMENT OF MEDICAL
BIOCHEMISTRY AND BIOPHYSICS
WHEELOCK LABORATORY
DEPARTMENT OF MEDICAL
BIOCHEMISTRY AND BIOPHYSICS
WHEELOCK LABORATORY
DEPARTMENT OF MEDICAL
BIOCHEMISTRY AND BIOPHYSICS
WHEELOCK LABORATORY
DEPARTMENT OF MEDICAL
BIOCHEMISTRY AND BIOPHYSICS
WHEELOCK LABORATORY

PubMed

Structural characterization and therapeutic effect of Alhagi honey oligosaccharide on liver fibrosis in mice

Thu, 25/04/2024 - 12:00
Fitoterapia. 2024 Apr 23:105974. doi: 10.1016/j.fitote.2024.105974. Online ahead of print.ABSTRACTAlhagi honey is derived from the secretory granules of Alhagi pseudoalhagi Desv., a leguminous plant commonly known as camelthorn. Modern medical research has demonstrated that the extract of Alhagi honey possesses regulatory properties for the gastrointestinal tract and immune system, as well as exerts anti-tumor, anti-oxidative, anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, and hepatoprotective effects. The aim of this study was to isolate and purify oligosaccharide monomers (referred to as Mel) from camelthorn and elucidate their structural characteristics. Subsequently, the impact of Mel on liver injury induced by carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) in mice was investigated. The analysis identified the isolated oligosaccharide monomer (α-D-Glcp-(1 → 3)-β-D-Fruf-(2 → 1)-α-D-Glcp), with the molecular formula C18H32O16. In a mouse model of CCl4-induced liver fibrosis, Mel demonstrated significant therapeutic effects by attenuating the development of fibrosis. Moreover, it enhanced anti-oxidant enzyme activity (glutathione peroxidase and superoxide dismutase) in liver tissues, thereby reducing oxidative stress markers (malondialdehyde and reactive oxygen species). Mel also improved serum albumin levels, lowered liver enzyme activities (aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase), and decreased inflammatory factors (tumor necrosis factor-alpha, interleukin-1 beta, and interleukin-6). Immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence, and western blotting analyses confirmed the ability of Mel to downregulate hepatic stellate cell-specific markers (collagen type I alpha 1 chain, alpha-smooth muscle actin, transforming growth factor-beta 1. Non-targeted metabolomics analysis revealed the influence of Mel on metabolic pathways related to glutathione, niacin, pyrimidine, butyric acid, and amino acids. In conclusion, the results of our study highlight the promising potential of Mel, derived from Alhagi honey, as a viable candidate drug for treating liver fibrosis. This discovery offers a potentially advantageous option for individuals seeking natural and effective means to promote liver health.PMID:38663563 | DOI:10.1016/j.fitote.2024.105974

Targeting tumor markers in ovarian cancer treatment

Thu, 25/04/2024 - 12:00
Clin Chim Acta. 2024 Apr 23:119687. doi: 10.1016/j.cca.2024.119687. Online ahead of print.ABSTRACTOvarian cancers (OC) are the most common, lethal, and stage-dependent cancers at the global level, specifically in female patients. Targeted therapies involve the administration of drugs that specifically target the alterations in tumour cells responsible for their growth, proliferation, and metastasis, with the aim of treating particular patients. Presently, within the realm of gynaecological malignancies, specifically in breast and OCs, there exist various prospective therapeutic targets encompassing tumour-intrinsic signalling pathways, angiogenesis, homologous-recombination deficit, hormone receptors, and immunologic components. Breast cancers are often detected in advanced stages, primarily due to the lack of a reliable screening method. However, various tumour markers have been extensively researched and employed to evaluate the condition, progression, and effectiveness of medication treatments for this ailment. The emergence of recent technological advancements in the domains of bioinformatics, genomics, proteomics, and metabolomics has facilitated the exploration and identification of hitherto unknown biomarkers. The primary objective of this comprehensive review is to meticulously investigate and analyze both established and emerging methodologies employed in the identification of tumour markers associated with OC.PMID:38663473 | DOI:10.1016/j.cca.2024.119687

Longterm erythromycin treatment alters the airway and gut microbiota:Data from COPD patients and mice with emphysema

Thu, 25/04/2024 - 12:00
Respiration. 2024 Apr 25. doi: 10.1159/000538911. Online ahead of print.ABSTRACTINTRODUCTION: Although long-term macrolide antibiotics could reduce the recurrent exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), the side effect of bacterial resistance and the impact on the microbiota remain concerning. We investigated the influence of long-term erythromycin treatment on the airway and gut microbiota in mice with emphysema and patients with COPD.METHODS: We conducted 16S rRNA gene sequencing to explore the effect of erythromycin treatment on the lung and gut microbiota in mice with emphysema. Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry was used for lung metabolomics. A randomized controlled trial was performed to investigate the effect of 48-week erythromycin treatment on the airway and gut microbiota in COPD patients.RESULTS: The mouse lung and gut microbiota were disrupted after cigarette smoke exposure. Erythromycin treatment depleted harmful bacteria and altered lung metabolism. Erythromycin treatment did not alter airway or gut microbial diversity in COPD patients. It reduced the abundance of pathogens, such as Burkholderia, in the airway of COPD patients and increased levels of symbiotic bacteria, such as Prevotella and Veillonella. The proportions of Blautia, Ruminococcus and Lachnospiraceae in the gut were increased in COPD patients after erythromycin treatment. The time to the first exacerbation following treatment was significantly longer in the erythromycin-treatment group than in the COPD group.CONCLUSION: Long-term erythromycin treatment reduces airway and gut microbe abundance in COPD patients but does not affect microbial diversity and restores microbiota balance in COPD patients by reducing the abundance of pathogenic bacteria.PMID:38663359 | DOI:10.1159/000538911

Bile acid metabolism is altered in learning and memory impairment induced by chronic lead exposure

Thu, 25/04/2024 - 12:00
J Hazard Mater. 2024 Apr 19;471:134360. doi: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.134360. Online ahead of print.ABSTRACTLead is a neurotoxic contaminant that exists widely in the environment. Although lead neurotoxicity has been found to be tightly linked to gut microbiota disturbance, the effect of host metabolic disorders caused by gut microbiota disturbance on lead neurotoxicity has not been investigated. In this work, the results of new object recognition tests and Morris water maze tests showed that chronic low-dose lead exposure caused learning and memory dysfunction in mice. The results of 16 S rRNA sequencing of cecal contents and fecal microbiota transplantation showed that the neurotoxicity of lead could be transmitted through gut microbiota. The results of untargeted metabolomics and bile acid targeted metabolism analysis showed that the serum bile acid metabolism profile of lead-exposed mice was significantly changed. In addition, supplementation with TUDCA or INT-777 significantly alleviated chronic lead exposure-induced learning and memory impairment, primarily through inhibition of the NLRP3 inflammasome in the hippocampus to relieve neuroinflammation. In conclusion, our findings suggested that dysregulation of host bile acid metabolism may be one of the mechanisms of lead-induced neurotoxicity, and supplementation of specific bile acids may be a possible therapeutic strategy for lead-induced neurotoxicity.PMID:38663295 | DOI:10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.134360

Exploration of TCM syndrome types of the material basis and risk prediction of Wilson disease liver fibrosis based on (1)H NMR metabolomics

Thu, 25/04/2024 - 12:00
J Pharm Biomed Anal. 2024 Apr 22;245:116167. doi: 10.1016/j.jpba.2024.116167. Online ahead of print.ABSTRACTWilson disease (WD) is an autosomal recessive disorder characterized by abnormal copper metabolism. The accumulation of copper in the liver can progress to liver fibrosis and, ultimately, cirrhosis, which is a primary cause of death in WD patients. Metabonomic technology offers an effective approach to investigate the traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) syndrome types of WD-related liver fibrosis by monitoring the alterations in small molecule metabolites within the body. In this study, we employed 1H-Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (1H NMR) metabonomics to assess the metabolic profiles associated with five TCM syndrome types of WD-related liver fibrosis and analyzed the diagnostic and predictive capabilities of various metabolites. The study found a variety of metabolites, each with varying levels of diagnostic and predictive capabilities. Furthermore, the discerned differential metabolic pathways were primarily associated with various pathways involving carbohydrate metabolism, amino acid metabolism, and lipid metabolism. This study has identified various characteristic metabolic markers and pathways associated with different TCM syndromes of liver fibrosis in WD, providing a substantial foundation for investigating the mechanisms underlying these TCM syndromes.PMID:38663257 | DOI:10.1016/j.jpba.2024.116167

Based on metabolomics, chemometrics, and modern separation omics: Identifying key in-pathway and out-pathway points for pesticide residues during solid-state fermentation of baijiu

Thu, 25/04/2024 - 12:00
Food Chem. 2024 Feb 15;451:138767. doi: 10.1016/j.foodchem.2024.138767. Online ahead of print.ABSTRACTBy collecting real samples throughout the entire production process and employing chemometrics, metabolomics, and modern separation omic techniques, it unveiled the patterns of pesticide transfer during solid-state fermentation. The results indicated that 12 types of pesticide residues were prevalent during baijiu production, with organochlorine and carbamate pesticides being the most abundant in raw materials. After fermentation, organochlorine pesticides and pyrethroid pesticides exhibited higher content, while carbamate pesticides dominated in the final product. The pathways for pesticide input and elimination were identified, and the intricate mechanisms underlying these changes were further elucidated. Additionally, key control points were defined to facilitate targeted monitoring. The results indicated that pesticide residue primarily originates from raw materials and Daqu, whereas both solid-state fermentation and distillation processes were effective in reducing pesticide residues. The study offers valuable guidance for establishing pesticide residue standards in the context of baijiu production.PMID:38663241 | DOI:10.1016/j.foodchem.2024.138767

Mechanotransducive surfaces for enhanced cell osteogenesis, a review

Thu, 25/04/2024 - 12:00
Biomater Adv. 2024 Apr 15;160:213861. doi: 10.1016/j.bioadv.2024.213861. Online ahead of print.ABSTRACTNovel strategies employing mechano-transducing materials eliciting biological outcomes have recently emerged for controlling cellular behaviour. Targeted cellular responses are achieved by manipulating physical, chemical, or biochemical modification of material properties. Advances in techniques such as nanopatterning, chemical modification, biochemical molecule embedding, force-tuneable materials, and artificial extracellular matrices are helping understand cellular mechanotransduction. Collectively, these strategies manipulate cellular sensing and regulate signalling cascades including focal adhesions, YAP-TAZ transcription factors, and multiple osteogenic pathways. In this minireview, we are providing a summary of the influence that these materials, particularly titanium-based orthopaedic materials, have on cells. We also highlight recent complementary methodological developments including, but not limited to, the use of metabolomics for identification of active biomolecules that drive cellular differentiation.PMID:38663159 | DOI:10.1016/j.bioadv.2024.213861

The γ-glutamyl cycle serves as an amino acids supply system in colorectal cancer organoids under chronic hypoxia

Thu, 25/04/2024 - 12:00
Biochem Biophys Res Commun. 2024 Apr 22;714:149977. doi: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2024.149977. Online ahead of print.ABSTRACTMalignant tumors are characterized by a hypoxic microenvironment, and metabolic reprogramming is necessary to ensure energy production and oxidative stress resistance. Although the microenvironmental properties of tumors vary under acute and chronic hypoxia, studies on chronic hypoxia-induced metabolic changes are limited. In the present study, we performed a comprehensive metabolic analysis in a chronic hypoxia model using colorectal cancer (CRC) organoids, and identified an amino acid supply system through the γ-glutamyl cycle, a glutathione recycling pathway. We analyzed the metabolic changes caused by hypoxia over time and observed that chronic hypoxia resulted in an increase in 5-oxoproline and a decrease in oxidized glutathione (GSSG) compared to acute hypoxia. These findings suggest that chronic hypoxia induces metabolic changes in the γ-glutamyl cycle. Moreover, inhibition of the γ-glutamyl cycle via γ-glutamyl cyclotransferase (GGCT) and γ-glutamyl transferase 1 (GGT1) knockdown significantly reversed chronic hypoxia-induced upregulation of 5-oxoproline and several amino acids. Notably, GGT1 knockdown downregulated the intracellular levels of γ-glutamyl amino acids. Conclusively, these results indicate that the γ-glutamyl cycle serves as an amino acid supply system in CRC under chronic hypoxia, which provides fresh insight into cancer metabolism under chronic hypoxia.PMID:38663093 | DOI:10.1016/j.bbrc.2024.149977

Oral Polystyrene Consumption Potentiates Atherosclerotic Lesion Formation in ApoE<sup>-/-</sup> Mice

Thu, 25/04/2024 - 12:00
Circ Res. 2024 Apr 26;134(9):1228-1230. doi: 10.1161/CIRCRESAHA.124.324419. Epub 2024 Apr 25.NO ABSTRACTPMID:38662862 | DOI:10.1161/CIRCRESAHA.124.324419

Vitamin D regulates microbiome-dependent cancer immunity

Thu, 25/04/2024 - 12:00
Science. 2024 Apr 26;384(6694):428-437. doi: 10.1126/science.adh7954. Epub 2024 Apr 25.ABSTRACTA role for vitamin D in immune modulation and in cancer has been suggested. In this work, we report that mice with increased availability of vitamin D display greater immune-dependent resistance to transplantable cancers and augmented responses to checkpoint blockade immunotherapies. Similarly, in humans, vitamin D-induced genes correlate with improved responses to immune checkpoint inhibitor treatment as well as with immunity to cancer and increased overall survival. In mice, resistance is attributable to the activity of vitamin D on intestinal epithelial cells, which alters microbiome composition in favor of Bacteroides fragilis, which positively regulates cancer immunity. Our findings indicate a previously unappreciated connection between vitamin D, microbial commensal communities, and immune responses to cancer. Collectively, they highlight vitamin D levels as a potential determinant of cancer immunity and immunotherapy success.PMID:38662827 | DOI:10.1126/science.adh7954

A new type of blood-brain barrier aminoacidopathy underlies metabolic microcephaly associated with SLC1A4 mutations

Thu, 25/04/2024 - 12:00
Brain. 2024 Apr 25:awae134. doi: 10.1093/brain/awae134. Online ahead of print.ABSTRACTMutations in the SLC1A4 transporter lead to neurodevelopmental impairments, spastic tetraplegia, thin corpus callosum, and microcephaly in children. SLC1A4 catalyzes obligatory amino acid exchange between neutral amino acids, but the physiopathology of SLC1A4 disease mutations and progressive microcephaly remain unclear. Here, we examined the phenotype and metabolic profile of three Slc1a4 mouse models, including a constitutive Slc1a4-KO mouse, a knock-in mouse with the major human Slc1a4 mutation (Slc1a4-K256E), and a selective knockout of Slc1a4 in brain endothelial cells (Slc1a4tie2-cre). We show that Slc1a4 is a bona fide L-serine transporter at the BBB and that acute inhibition or deletion of Slc1a4 leads to a decrease in serine influx into the brain. This results in microcephaly associated with decreased L-serine content in the brain, accumulation of atypical and cytotoxic 1-deoxysphingolipids in the brain, neurodegeneration, synaptic and mitochondrial abnormalities, and behavioral impairments. Prenatal and early postnatal oral administration of L-serine at levels that replenish the serine pool in the brain rescued the observed biochemical and behavioral changes. Administration of L-serine till the second postnatal week also normalized brain weight in Slc1a4-E256 K mice. Our observations suggest that the transport of "non-essential" amino acids from the blood through the BBB is at least as important as that of essential amino acids for brain metabolism and development. We proposed that SLC1A4 mutations cause a BBB aminoacidopathy with deficits in serine import across the BBB required for optimal brain growth and leads to a metabolic microcephaly, which may be amenable to treatment with L-serine.PMID:38662784 | DOI:10.1093/brain/awae134

The metabolome as a diagnostic for maximal aerobic capacity during exercise in type 1 diabetes

Thu, 25/04/2024 - 12:00
Diabetologia. 2024 Apr 25. doi: 10.1007/s00125-024-06153-0. Online ahead of print.ABSTRACTAIMS/HYPOTHESIS: Our aim was to characterise the in-depth metabolic response to aerobic exercise and the impact of residual pancreatic beta cell function in type 1 diabetes. We also aimed to use the metabolome to distinguish individuals with type 1 diabetes with reduced maximal aerobic capacity in exercise defined by V ˙ O 2peak .METHODS: Thirty participants with type 1 diabetes (≥3 years duration) and 30 control participants were recruited. Groups did not differ in age or sex. After quantification of peak stimulated C-peptide, participants were categorised into those with undetectable (<3 pmol/l), low (3-200 pmol/l) or high (>200 pmol/l) residual beta cell function. Maximal aerobic capacity was assessed by V ˙ O 2peak test and did not differ between control and type 1 diabetes groups. All participants completed 45 min of incline treadmill walking (60% V ˙ O 2peak ) with venous blood taken prior to exercise, immediately post exercise and after 60 min recovery. Serum was analysed using targeted metabolomics. Metabolomic data were analysed by multivariate statistics to define the metabolic phenotype of exercise in type 1 diabetes. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were used to identify circulating metabolomic markers of maximal aerobic capacity ( V ˙ O 2peak ) during exercise in health and type 1 diabetes.RESULTS: Maximal aerobic capacity ( V ˙ O 2peak ) inversely correlated with HbA1c in the type 1 diabetes group (r2=0.17, p=0.024). Higher resting serum tricarboxylic acid cycle metabolites malic acid (fold change 1.4, p=0.001) and lactate (fold change 1.22, p=1.23×10-5) differentiated people with type 1 diabetes. Higher serum acylcarnitines (AC) (AC C14:1, F value=12.25, p=0.001345; AC C12, F value=11.055, p=0.0018) were unique to the metabolic response to exercise in people with type 1 diabetes. C-peptide status differentially affected metabolic responses in serum ACs during exercise (AC C18:1, leverage 0.066; squared prediction error 3.07). The malic acid/pyruvate ratio in rested serum was diagnostic for maximal aerobic capacity ( V ˙ O 2peak ) in people with type 1 diabetes (ROC curve AUC 0.867 [95% CI 0.716, 0.956]).CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION: The serum metabolome distinguishes high and low maximal aerobic capacity and has diagnostic potential for facilitating personalised medicine approaches to manage aerobic exercise and fitness in type 1 diabetes.PMID:38662134 | DOI:10.1007/s00125-024-06153-0

Identification of iodotyrosines as novel substrates for the thyroid hormone transporter MCT8

Thu, 25/04/2024 - 12:00
Thyroid. 2024 Apr 25. doi: 10.1089/thy.2023.0551. Online ahead of print.ABSTRACTBackground Monocarboxylate transporter 8 (MCT8) is the most specific thyroid hormone transporter identified to date, deficiency of which has been associated with severe intellectual and motor disability and abnormal serum thyroid function tests. However, it is currently unknown if MCT8, like other thyroid hormone transporters, also accepts additional substrates, and if disruption of their transport may contribute to the observed phenotype. Methods In this study, we aimed to identify such substrates by applying LC-MS-based metabolome analysis in lysates of control and MCT8-overexpressing Xenopus oocytes. A subset of identified candidate substrates was validated by direct transport studies in transiently transfected COS-1 cells and human fibroblasts which endogenously express MCT8. Moreover, transport characteristics were determined, including transport saturation and cis-inhibition potency of thyroid hormone transport. Results Metabolome analysis identified 21 m/z ratios, corresponding to 87 candidate metabolites, with a 2.0-times differential abundance in MCT8-injected oocytes compared to controls. These metabolites included 3,5-diiodotyrosine (DIT) and several amino acids, including glutamate and glutamine. In accordance, MCT8-expressing COS-1 cells had 2.2-times lower intracellular accumulation of [125I]-DIT compared to control cells. This effect was largely blocked in the presence of T3 (IC50: 2.5±1.5 µM) or T4 (IC50: 5.8±1.3 µM). Conversely, increasing concentrations of DIT enhanced the accumulation of T3 and T4. The MCT8-specific inhibitor silychristin increased the intracellular accumulation of DIT in human fibroblasts. COS-1 cells expressing MCT8 also exhibited a 50%-reduction in intracellular accumulation of [125I]-3-monoiodotyrosine (MIT). In contrast, COS-1 cells expressing MCT8 did not alter the intracellular accumulation of [3H]-glutamate or [3H]-glutamine in. However, studies in human fibroblasts showed a 1.5-1.9-times higher glutamate uptake in control fibroblasts compared to fibroblasts derived from patients with MCT8 deficiency, which was not affected in the presence of silychristin. Conclusions Taken together, our results suggest that the iodotyrosines DIT and MIT can be exported by MCT8. MIT and DIT interfere with MCT8-mediated transport of thyroid hormone in vitro, and vice versa. Future studies should elucidate if MCT8, being highly expressed in thyroidal follicular cells, also transports iodotyrosines in vivo.PMID:38661522 | DOI:10.1089/thy.2023.0551

Metabolomic-Based Comparison of Daphnia magna and Japanese Medaka Responses After Exposure to Acetaminophen, Diclofenac, and Ibuprofen

Thu, 25/04/2024 - 12:00
Environ Toxicol Chem. 2024 Apr 25. doi: 10.1002/etc.5876. Online ahead of print.ABSTRACTPharmaceuticals are found in aquatic environments due to their widespread use and environmental persistence. To date, a range of impairments to aquatic organisms has been reported with exposure to pharmaceuticals; however, further comparisons of their impacts across different species on the molecular level are needed. In the present study, the crustacean Daphnia magna and the freshwater fish Japanese medaka, common model organisms in aquatic toxicity, were exposed for 48 h to the common analgesics acetaminophen (ACT), diclofenac (DCF), and ibuprofen (IBU) at sublethal concentrations. A targeted metabolomic-based approach, using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry to quantify polar metabolites from individual daphnids and fish was used. Multivariate analyses and metabolite changes identified differences in the metabolite profile for D. magna and medaka, with more metabolic perturbations for D. magna. Pathway analyses uncovered disruptions to pathways associated with protein synthesis and amino acid metabolism with D. magna exposure to all three analgesics. In contrast, medaka exposure resulted in disrupted pathways with DCF only and not ACT and IBU. Overall, the observed perturbations in the biochemistry of both organisms were different and consistent with assessments using other endpoints reporting that D. magna is more sensitive to pollutants than medaka in short-term studies. Our findings demonstrate that molecular-level responses to analgesic exposure can reflect observations of other endpoints, such as immobilization and mortality. Thus, environmental metabolomics can be a valuable tool for selecting sentinel species for the biomonitoring of freshwater ecosystems while also uncovering mechanistic information. Environ Toxicol Chem 2024;00:1-13. © 2024 The Authors. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of SETAC.PMID:38661510 | DOI:10.1002/etc.5876

Pomegranate supplementation alleviates dyslipidemia and the onset of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in Wistar rats by shifting microbiota and producing urolithin-like microbial metabolites

Thu, 25/04/2024 - 12:00
Food Funct. 2024 Apr 25. doi: 10.1039/d4fo00688g. Online ahead of print.ABSTRACTNon-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), obesity and related chronic diseases are major non-communicable diseases with high mortality rates worldwide. While dietary sugars are known to be responsible for insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome (MetS), the underlying pathophysiological effects of sustained fructose consumption require further elucidation. We hypothesize that certain bioactive compounds (i.e. punicalagin and ellagic acid) from dietary pomegranate could counteract the harmful effects of sustained fructose consumption in terms of obesity and liver damage. The present study aimed to elucidate both the molecular mechanisms involved in the pathophysiology associated with fructose intake and the effect of a punicalagin-rich commercial pomegranate dietary supplement (P) used as a nutritional strategy to alleviate fructose-induced metabolic impairments. Thus, nineteen Wistar rats fed on a basal commercial feed were supplemented with either 30% (w/v) fructose in drinking water (F; n = 7) or 30% (w/v) fructose solution plus 0.2% (w/v) P (F + P; n = 6) for 10 weeks. The results were compared to those from a control group fed on the basal diet and provided with drinking water (C; n = 6). Body weight and energy intake were registered weekly. P supplementation decreased fat depots, counteracted the dyslipidemia caused by F and improved markers of liver injury including steatosis. The study of the microbiota by metagenomics and urine by untargeted MS-based metabolomics revealed microbial metabolites from P that may be responsible for these health benefits.PMID:38661445 | DOI:10.1039/d4fo00688g

Comorbidities, mortality and metabolic profile in individuals with primary biliary cholangitis-A Phenome-Wide-Association-Study

Thu, 25/04/2024 - 12:00
Liver Int. 2024 Apr 25. doi: 10.1111/liv.15945. Online ahead of print.ABSTRACTBACKGROUND AND AIMS: Primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) is a chronic, immune-mediated liver disease that can lead to fibrosis and cirrhosis. In this cohort study, we aimed to investigate morbidity and mortality in conjunction with metabolomic changes of PBC in a UK population-based cohort.METHODS: 454 participants with PBC and 908 propensity score (age, sex, BMI, ethnicity) matched controls without liver disease were included in the study. A subset of participants with PBC and controls were analysed for their metabolomic profile. Further, PBC-associated comorbidities were investigated by PheWAS analysis. Lastly, we assessed causes of death in individuals with PBC using a Fine and Grey competing-risks regression model.RESULTS: Compared to the control group, various pathways associated with the metabolism of amino acids, lipids, and liver biochemistry were significantly enriched in individuals with PBC. We found reduced levels of S-HDL-cholesterol and Glycoprotein Acetyls in individuals with PBC as well as an association with diseases of the circulatory system. Notably, PBC individuals had a higher prevalence of digestive diseases, autoimmune diseases, cardiovascular diseases, anaemias, mental disorders, and urinary tract infections compared to the control group. Strikingly, the overall mortality was almost three times higher in the PBC group compared to the control group, with diseases of the digestive system accounting for a significant elevation of the death rate. A subsequent analysis, enhanced by propensity score matching that included the APRI score, demonstrated that the observed morbidity could not be exclusively attributed to advanced hepatic disease.CONCLUSIONS: Our study provides a detailed perspective on the morbidity of individuals with PBC. The exploration of potential effects of disease state on morbidity suggest that early detection and early treatment of PBC could enhance patient prognosis and prevent the onset of comorbid diseases. Finally, the metabolomic alterations could represent a link between the pathophysiological processes underlying PBC development, progression, and associated morbidity.PMID:38661318 | DOI:10.1111/liv.15945

Plasma metabolite profiling identifies non-diabetic CP patients with metabolic alterations progressing to prediabetes prior to HbA1c

Thu, 25/04/2024 - 12:00
Clin Transl Gastroenterol. 2024 Apr 25. doi: 10.14309/ctg.0000000000000704. Online ahead of print.ABSTRACTINTRODUCTION: Diabetes (T3cDM) secondary to chronic pancreatitis (CP) arises due to endocrine dysfunction and metabolic dysregulations. Currently, diagnostic tests are not available to identify patients who may progress from normoglycemia to hyperglycemia in CP. We conducted plasma metabolomic profiling to diagnose glycemic alterations early in the course of disease.METHODS: Liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry was employed to generate untargeted, targeted plasma metabolomic profiles in CP patients, controls (n=445) following TRIPOD guidelines. Patients were stratified based on glucose tolerance tests following ADA guidelines. Multivariate analysis was performed using PLS-DA to assess discriminatory ability of metabolites among stratified groups. COMBIROC, logistic regression were employed to derive biomarker signatures. AI-ML tool(Rapidminer) was employed to verify these preliminary results.RESULTS: Ceramide, lysophosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylcholine, lysophosphatidic acid, phosphatidylethanolamine, carnitine and lysophosphatidylcholine discriminated T3cDM CP patients from healthy controls with AUC 93%(95%CI 0.81-0.98, p<0.0001), integration with pancreatic morphology improved AUC to 100%(95%CI 0.93-1.00, p<0.0001). Lysophosphatidic acid, phosphatidylinositol and ceramide discriminated non-diabetic CP with glycemic alterations (pre-diabetic CP);AUC 66% (95% CI 0.55-0.76, p=0.1),integration enhanced AUC to 74%,(95% CI 0.55-0.88,p=0.86). T3cDM was distinguished from pre-diabetic by lysophosphatidic acid, phosphatidylinositol and sphinganine(AUC 70%; 95%CI 0.54-0.83,p=0.08), integration improved AUC to 83% (95%CI 0.68-0.93,p=0.05). CombiROC cutoff identified 75% and 78% prediabetes in validation 1 and 2 cohorts. Random forest algorithm assessed performance of integrated panel demonstrating AUC of 72% in predicting glycemic alterations.DISCUSSION: We report for the first time that a panel of metabolites integrated with pancreatic morphology detects glycemia progression prior to HbA1c in CP patients.PMID:38661171 | DOI:10.14309/ctg.0000000000000704

Metabolomics captures the differential metabolites in the replication pathway of snakehead vesiculovirus regulated by glutamine

Thu, 25/04/2024 - 12:00
Dis Aquat Organ. 2024 Apr 25;158:101-114. doi: 10.3354/dao03786.ABSTRACTSnakehead vesiculovirus (SHVV) is a negative-sense single-stranded RNA virus that infects snakehead fish. This virus leads to illness and mortality, causing significant economic losses in the snakehead aquaculture industry. The replication and spread of SHVV in cells, which requires glutamine as a nitrogen source, is accompanied by alterations in intracellular metabolites. However, the metabolic mechanisms underlying the inhibition of viral replication by glutamine deficiency are poorly understood. This study utilized liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry to measure the differential metabolites between the channel catfish Parasilurus asotus ovary cell line infected with SHVV under glutamine-containing and glutamine-deprived conditions. Results showed that the absence of glutamine regulated 4 distinct metabolic pathways and influenced 9 differential metabolites. The differential metabolites PS(16:0/16:0), 5,10-methylene-THF, and PS(18:0/18:1(9Z)) were involved in amino acid metabolism. In the nuclear metabolism functional pathway, differential metabolites of guanosine were observed. In the carbohydrate metabolism pathway, differential metabolites of UDP-d-galacturonate were detected. In the signal transduction pathway, differential metabolites of SM(d18:1/20:0), SM(d18:1/22:1(13Z)), SM(d18:1/24:1(15 Z)), and sphinganine were found. Among them, PS(18:0/18:1(9Z)), PS(16:0/16:0), and UDP-d-galacturonate were involved in the synthesis of phosphatidylserine and glycoprotein. The compound 5,10-methylene-THF provided raw materials for virus replication, and guanosine and sphingosine are related to virus virulence. The differential metabolites may collectively participate in the replication, packaging, and proliferation of SHVV under glutamine deficiency. This study provides new insights and potential metabolic targets for combating SHVV infection in aquaculture through metabolomics approaches.PMID:38661141 | DOI:10.3354/dao03786

Analysis of Plasma Metabolic Profile in Children with Transfusion-Dependent Thalassemia

Thu, 25/04/2024 - 12:00
Zhongguo Shi Yan Xue Ye Xue Za Zhi. 2024 Apr;32(2):525-531. doi: 10.19746/j.cnki.issn.1009-2137.2024.02.031.ABSTRACTOBJECTIVE: To explore the plasma metabolomic characteristics of children with transfusion-dependent thalassemia (TDT), and reveal the changes of metabolic pattern in children with TDT.METHODS: 23 children with TDT who received regular blood transfusion in Ganzhou Women and Children's Health Care Hospital in 2021 were selected, and 11 healthy children who underwent physical examination during the same period were selected as the control group. The routine indexes between children with TDT and the control group were compared, and then the metabolic composition of plasma samples from children with TDT and the control group was detected by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. An OPLS-DA model was established to perform differential analysis on the detected metabolites, and the differential metabolic pathways between the two groups were analyzed based on the differential metabolites.RESULTS: The results of routine testing showed that the indexes of ferritin, bilirubin, total bile acid, glucose and triglycerides in children with TDT were significantly higher than those in healthy controls, while hemoglobin and total cholesterol were significantly lower (all P <0.05). However there was no significant difference in lactate dehydrogenase between the two groups (P >0.05). Compared with the control group, 190 differential metabolites (VIP>1) were identified in TDT children. Among them, 168 compounds such as arginine, proline and glycocholic acid were significantly increased, while the other 22 compounds such as myristic acid, eleostearic acid, palmitic acid and linoleic acid were significantly decreased. The metabolic pathway analysis showed that the metabolic impact of TDT on children mainly focused on the upregulation of amino acid metabolism and downregulation of lipid metabolism.CONCLUSION: The amino acid and lipid metabolism in children with TDT were significantly changed compared with the healthy control group. This finding is helpful to optimize the treatment choice for children with TDT, and provides a new idea for clinical treatment.PMID:38660862 | DOI:10.19746/j.cnki.issn.1009-2137.2024.02.031

SPTLC3 Is Essential for Complex I Activity and Contributes to Ischemic Cardiomyopathy

Thu, 25/04/2024 - 12:00
Circulation. 2024 Apr 25. doi: 10.1161/CIRCULATIONAHA.123.066879. Online ahead of print.ABSTRACTBACKGROUND: Dysregulated metabolism of bioactive sphingolipids, including ceramides and sphingosine-1-phosphate, has been implicated in cardiovascular disease, although the specific species, disease contexts, and cellular roles are not completely understood. Sphingolipids are produced by the serine palmitoyltransferase enzyme, canonically composed of 2 subunits, SPTLC1 (serine palmitoyltransferase long chain base subunit 1) and SPTLC2 (serine palmitoyltransferase long chain base subunit 2). Noncanonical sphingolipids are produced by a more recently described subunit, SPTLC3 (serine palmitoyltransferase long chain base subunit 3).METHODS: The noncanonical (d16) and canonical (d18) sphingolipidome profiles in cardiac tissues of patients with end-stage ischemic cardiomyopathy and in mice with ischemic cardiomyopathy were analyzed by targeted lipidomics. Regulation of SPTLC3 by HIF1α under ischemic conditions was determined with chromatin immunoprecipitation. Transcriptomics, lipidomics, metabolomics, echocardiography, mitochondrial electron transport chain, mitochondrial membrane fluidity, and mitochondrial membrane potential were assessed in the cSPTLC3KO transgenic mice we generated. Furthermore, morphological and functional studies were performed on cSPTLC3KO mice subjected to permanent nonreperfused myocardial infarction.RESULTS: Herein, we report that SPTLC3 is induced in both human and mouse models of ischemic cardiomyopathy and leads to production of atypical sphingolipids bearing 16-carbon sphingoid bases, resulting in broad changes in cell sphingolipid composition. This induction is in part attributable to transcriptional regulation by HIF1α under ischemic conditions. Furthermore, cardiomyocyte-specific depletion of SPTLC3 in mice attenuates oxidative stress, fibrosis, and hypertrophy in chronic ischemia, and mice demonstrate improved cardiac function and increased survival along with increased ketone and glucose substrate metabolism utilization. Depletion of SPTLC3 mechanistically alters the membrane environment and subunit composition of mitochondrial complex I of the electron transport chain, decreasing its activity.CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest a novel essential role for SPTLC3 in electron transport chain function and a contribution to ischemic injury by regulating complex I activity.PMID:38660786 | DOI:10.1161/CIRCULATIONAHA.123.066879

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