Metabolon’s platform and services have contributed to over 3,000 publications since its founding in 2000. In February 2023, our data were used in 44 metabolomics citations in research topics ranging from agriculture to infectious diseases. The Global Discovery Panel references a library of over 5,400 metabolites from various biofluids, including blood, urine, cerebrospinal fluid, and saliva. Our targeted metabolomics panels and assays cover more than 1,000 metabolites and lipids across a wide range of biochemical classes, metabolic pathways, and physiological processes, and they can be customized to best fit any application. The analysis of metabolites can provide valuable insights into metabolic changes associated with various diseases and physiological conditions. Read on to see how Metabolon has contributed to human knowledge, health, and well-being in February!
AGRICULTURE
- Dhanasiri AKS, Jaramillo-Torres A, Chikwati EM, Forberg T, Krogdahl Å, Kortner TM. Effects of dietary supplementation with prebiotics and Pediococcus acidilactici on gut health, transcriptome, microbiota, and metabolome in Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar L.) after seawater transfer. Anim Microbiome. Feb 11 2023;5(1):10. doi:10.1186/s42523-023-00228-w
Description: Aquaculture feed plays a crucial role in the growth and health of farmed fish. This group used the Metabolon Global Discovery Panel to understand the effects of incorporating certain prebiotics and probiotics into the diet of Atlantic salmon. Untargeted metabolomics of fecal and plasma samples from Atlantic salmon showed that incorporating certain prebiotics and probiotics into their diet led to distinct metabolic profiles. These findings can help optimize the diets of farmed fish to improve disease resistance and growth performance.
- Roznere I, An V, Robinson T, Banda JA, Watters GT. Contaminants of emerging concern in the Maumee River and their effects on freshwater mussel physiology. PLoS One. 2023;18(2):e0280382. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0280382
- Götz KP, Chmielewski FM. Metabolites That Confirm Induction and Release of Dormancy Phases in Sweet Cherry Buds. Metabolites. Feb 03 2023;13(2)doi:10.3390/metabo13020231
- Abdulrahman Alrabiah N, Simintiras CA, Evans ACO, Lonergan P, Fair T. Biochemical alterations in the follicular fluid of bovine peri-ovulatory follicles and association with final oocyte maturation. Reprod Fertil. Dec 01 2022;4(1)doi:10.1530/RAF-22-0090
CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE
- Kurniansyah N, Wallace DA, Zhang Y, et al. An integrated multi-omics analysis of sleep-disordered breathing traits implicates P2XR4 purinergic signaling. Commun Biol. Jan 31 2023;6(1):125. doi:10.1038/s42003-023-04520-y
Description: Sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) is a common disease associated with an increased risk for cardiovascular diseases. This group integrated multi-omics data, including metabolomics data obtained using the Metabolon Global Discovery Panel, to understand drivers of morbidity in SDB. This approach revealed signaling mechanisms underlying multiple SDB traits, offering a promising approach to unraveling the biological underpinnings of complex human disorders.
- Tomkova K, Roman M, Adebayo AS, et al. DNA damage, nucleolar stress and dysregulated energy metabolism as mechanisms of multimorbidity. medRxiv. 2023:2023.02.22.23286318. doi:10.1101/2023.02.22.23286318
- Prisco SZ, Hartweck LM, Kazmirczak F, et al. Junctophilin-2 Regulates Mitochondrial Metabolism. bioRxiv. Feb 08 2023; doi:10.1101/2023.02.07.527576
- Jiang Y, Li Y, Zhang Y, et al. NSC228155 alleviates septic cardiomyopathy via protecting mitochondria and inhibiting inflammation. Int Immunopharmacol. Feb 10 2023;116:109847. doi:10.1016/j.intimp.2023.109847
- Li S, Watson D, Jorgenson A, et al. A Metabolomics Study of Thrombosis after Cardiac Surgery in Children with Congenital Heart Disease. bioRxiv. 2023:2023.02.20.529324. doi:10.1101/2023.02.20.529324
INFECTIOUS DISEASES
- Maltais-Payette I, Lajeunesse-Trempe F, Pibarot P, Biertho L, Tchernof A. Association between Circulating Amino Acids and COVID-19 Severity. Metabolites. Jan 29 2023;13(2) doi:10.3390/metabo13020201
Description: The severity of COVID-19 symptoms is highly heterogeneous. This study leveraged the Metabolon Global Discovery Panel to investigate the association between COVID-19 severity and metabolite concentrations. The researchers found that patients presenting severe COVID-19 symptoms have an altered amino acid profile compared to those with mild or moderate symptoms. The amino acids most strongly associated with severe COVID-19 symptoms were phenylalanine (positively associated) and cysteine (inversely associated). These findings can be used to predict the severity of COVID-19 and ultimately can help provide better care for COVID-19 patients.
- Ruddle SJ, Massis LM, Cutter AC, Monack DM. Salmonella-liberated dietary L-arabinose promotes expansion in superspreaders. Cell Host Microbe. Feb 13 2023; doi:10.1016/j.chom.2023.01.017
Description: Superspreaders are responsible for Salmonella transmission events. This group used the Metabolon Global Discovery Panel to understand the specific molecular mechanisms that distinguish superspreaders from non-superspreaders. Untargeted metabolomics of fecal samples from superspreader and non-superspreader mice revealed that Salmonella superspreaders have a distinct metabolic signature. Metabolomics helped identify L-arabinose metabolism as a critical pathway for Salmonella expansion. This work contributes to the understanding of Salmonella transmission, which is necessary for disease control.
- Mosevoll KA, Hansen BA, Gundersen IM, Reikvam H, Bruserud Ø, Wendelbo Ø. Systemic Metabolomic Profiles in Adult Patients with Bacterial Sepsis: Characterization of Patient Heterogeneity at the Time of Diagnosis. Biomolecules. Jan 24 2023;13(2)doi:10.3390/biom13020223
- Beri D, Singh M, Rodriguez M, et al. Global Metabolomic Profiling of Host Red Blood Cells Infected with Babesia divergens Reveals Novel Antiparasitic Target Pathways. Microbiol Spectr. Feb 14 2023:e0468822. doi:10.1128/spectrum.04688-22
- Tewari SG, Elahi R, Kwan B, et al. Metabolic responses in blood-stage malaria parasites associated with increased and decreased sensitivity to PfATP4 inhibitors. Malar J. Feb 14 2023;22(1):56. doi:10.1186/s12936-023-04481-x
MICROBIOME
- Xiong R, Gunter C, Fleming E, et al. Multi-‘omics of gut microbiome-host interactions in short- and long-term myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome patients. Cell Host Microbe. Feb 08 2023;31(2):273-287.e5. doi:10.1016/j.chom.2023.01.001
Description: This research group elucidated a relationship between the gut microbiome and plasma metabolites to myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS). Multi-omics analysis of shotgun sequencing and global metabolomics revealed possible functional mechanisms responsible for the onset and duration of ME/CFS. They found that depletion of butyrate-synthesizing microbes in the gut microbiome of ME/CFS patients led to low levels of plasma butyrate. These findings suggest that changes in the gut microbiome’s ability to metabolize or synthesize butyrate are reflected in the host’s plasma butyrate levels.
- Pronovost GN, Telang SS, Chen AS, et al. The maternal microbiome promotes placental development in mice. bioRxiv. Feb 15 2023;doi:10.1101/2023.02.15.528712
Description: Women’s health is a crucial factor in the development and well-being of the fetus. This research group used the Metabolon Global Discovery Panel to show that depletion of the maternal microbiome impairs placental development, leading to changes in the fetal serum metabolome. This study reveals new approaches to promote fetal health and decrease the risk for chronic disease during adulthood.
17. Vizioli C, Jaime-Lara R, Daniel SG, et al. Administration of Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis Strain BB-12® in Healthy Children: Characterization, Functional Composition, and Metabolism of the Gut Microbiome. medRxiv. Feb 06 2023;doi:10.1101/2023.02.02.23285145
18. Baldwin-Hunter BL, Rozenberg FD, Annavajhala MK, et al. The gut microbiome, short chain fatty acids, and related metabolites in cystic fibrosis patients with and without colonic adenomas. J Cyst Fibros. Jan 28 2023;doi:10.1016/j.jcf.2023.01.013
19. Bose D, Stebliankin V, Cickovski T, et al. Microbiome Dysbiosis Shows Strong Association of Gut-Derived Altered Metabolomic Profile in Gulf War Chronic Multisymptom Illness Symptom Persistence Following Western Diet Feeding and Development of Obesity. Int J Mol Sci. Feb 20 2023;24(4)doi:10.3390/ijms24044245
NEUROSCIENCE
- Shi L, Xu J, Green R, et al. Multiomics profiling of human plasma and cerebrospinal fluid reveals ATN-derived networks and highlights causal links in Alzheimer’s disease. Alzheimers Dement. Feb 15 2023;doi:10.1002/alz.12961
Description: Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a progressive neurological disorder that leads to cognitive decline. This study used multi-omics approaches to identify processes involved in AD pathogenesis. Metabolon helped discover new insights into the changes in individual metabolites and networks relating to various AD pathology markers.
- Green RE, Lord J, Scelsi MA, et al. Investigating associations between blood metabolites, later life brain imaging measures, and genetic risk for Alzheimer’s disease. Alzheimers Res Ther. Feb 22 2023;15(1):38. doi:10.1186/s13195-023-01184-y
Description: Metabolon helped this group identify blood-based signatures of brain health. Global metabolomics revealed novel lipids that are associated with characteristics of brain health. These findings may offer insights into early disease mechanisms and highlight molecular targets for therapeutic intervention.
22. Loppi SH, Tavera-Garcia MA, Becktel DA, et al. Increased fatty acid metabolism and decreased glycolysis are hallmarks of metabolic reprogramming within microglia in degenerating white matter during recovery from experimental stroke. J Cereb Blood Flow Metab. Feb 11 2023:271678X231157298. doi:10.1177/0271678X231157298
23. Yulug B, Altay O, Li X, et al. Combined metabolic activators improve cognitive functions in Alzheimer’s disease patients: a randomised, double-blinded, placebo-controlled phase-II trial. Transl Neurodegener. Jan 26 2023;12(1):4. doi:10.1186/s40035-023-00336-2
24. Pradhyumnan H, Patel SH, Furones-Alonso O, et al. Electronic Cigarette Exposure Exacerbates Ischemic Stroke Outcome Via Altered Neurotransmitter Metabolism In Rats Of Both Sexes. Poster presented at: the International Stroke Conference; February 2, 2023; Dallas, TX. doi: 10.1161/str.54.suppl_1.TMP111
25. Patel SH, Saul I, Dave KR, et al. The Effect Of Nicotine Withdrawal On Stroke Outcome In Female Rats. Poster presented at: the International Stroke Conference; February 2, 2023; Dallas, TX. doi: 10.1161/str.54.suppl_1.WP213
POPULATION HEALTH
26. Kojouri M, Pinto R, Mustafa R, et al. Metabolome-wide association study on physical activity. Sci Rep. 2023;13(1):2374. Published 2023 Feb 9. doi:10.1038/s41598-022-26377-7
Description: This research group used the Metabolon Global Discovery Panel to elucidate the underlying mechanisms linking physical activity to better health. Plasma metabolomics identified 36 metabolites associated with vigorous physical activity. These metabolites may play a role in mediating the positive health effects associated with physical activity.
27. Kaplan RC, Williams-Nguyen JS, Huang Y, et al. Identification of dietary supplements associated with blood metabolites in the Hispanic Community Health Study / Study of Latinos cohort study. J Nutr. Feb 21 2023;doi:10.1016/j.tjnut.2023.02.021
28. Liu Y, Gan L, Zhao B, et al. Untargeted metabolomic profiling identifies serum metabolites associated with type 2 diabetes in a cross-sectional study of the Alpha-Tocopherol, Beta-Carotene Cancer Prevention (ATBC) Study. Am J Physiol Endocrinol Metab. Feb 01 2023;324(2):E167-E175. doi:10.1152/ajpendo.00287.2022
RESPIRATORY DISORDERS
29. Philip N, Pi H, Gadkari M, et al. Transpulmonary amino acid metabolism in the sugen hypoxia model of pulmonary hypertension. Pulm Circ. Jan 2023;13(1):e12205. doi:10.1002/pul2.12205
Description: Pulmonary artery hypertension (PAH) is a rare but serious condition that occurs when the blood pressure in the lung arteries becomes abnormally high. This study provided new insight into the shifts in amino acid metabolism occurring in PAH patients.
30. Powell J, Powell S, Mather MW, et al. Tracheostomy in children is associated with neutrophilic airway inflammation. Thorax. Feb 20 2023;doi:10.1136/thorax-2022-219557
LIVER DISEASE
31. Phillips IR, Veeravalli S, Khadayate S, Shephard EA. Metabolomic and transcriptomic analyses of Fmo5-/- mice reveal roles for flavin-containing monooxygenase 5 (FMO5) in NRF2-mediated oxidative stress, the unfolded protein response, lipid homeostasis, and carbohydrate and one-carbon metabolism. bioRxiv. 2023:2023.02.09.527806. doi:10.1101/2023.02.09.527806
32. Martin HR, Sales Martinez S, Stebliankin V, et al. Diet Quality and Liver Health in People Living with HIV in the MASH Cohort: A Multi-Omic Analysis of the Fecal Microbiome and Metabolome. Metabolites. Feb 14 2023;13(2)doi:10.3390/metabo13020271
33. Dong TS, Katzka W, Yang JC, et al. Microbial changes from bariatric surgery alters glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide and prevents fatty liver disease. Gut Microbes. 2023;15(1):2167170. doi:10.1080/19490976.2023.2167170
34. Ukita R, Wu WK, Liang J, et al. Pulmonary Artery Banding in Sheep: A Novel Large Animal Model for Congestive Hepatopathy. J Appl Physiol (1985). Feb 09 2023;doi:10.1152/japplphysiol.00473.2022
35. Fernandes Silva L, Vangipurapu J, Oravilahti A, Männistö V, Laakso M. Plasma Metabolite Signatures in Male Carriers of Genetic Variants Associated with Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease. Metabolites. Feb 13 2023;13(2)doi:10.3390/metabo13020267
36. Hinrichs H, Faerber A, Young M, Ballentine SJ, Thompson MD. Maternal Exercise Protects Male Offspring From Maternal Diet-Programmed Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease Progression. Endocrinology. Jan 09 2023;164(3)doi:10.1210/endocr/bqad010
ONCOLOGY
37. Ferrer M, Mourikis N, Davidson EE, et al. Ketogenic diet promotes tumor ferroptosis but induces relative corticosterone deficiency that accelerates cachexia. bioRxiv. Feb 18 2023;doi:10.1101/2023.02.17.528937
38. Widmann S, Srivastava S, Lin C-Y. A Novel Liver X Receptor Inverse Agonist Impairs Cholesterol and Phospholipid Metabolism and Induces Apoptosis and Necroptosis in Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma Cells. Receptors. 2023; 2(1):34-46. https://doi.org/10.3390/receptors2010003
39. Liu Z, Song L, Xie J, et al. Kavalactone Kawain Impedes Urothelial Tumorigenesis in UPII-Mutant Ha-Ras Mice via Inhibition of mTOR Signaling and Alteration of Cancer Metabolism. Molecules. Feb 09 2023;28(4)doi:10.3390/molecules28041666
40. Yang M, Zhu C, Du L, et al. A Metabolomic Signature of Obesity and Risk of Colorectal Cancer: Two Nested Case-Control Studies. Metabolites. Feb 05 2023;13(2)doi:10.3390/metabo13020234
41. Zhong H, Liu S, Zhu J, Wu L. Associations between genetically predicted levels of blood metabolites and pancreatic cancer risk. Int J Cancer. Feb 09 2023;doi:10.1002/ijc.34466
OTHER
42. Enthoven LF, Shi Y, Fay EE, et al. The Effects of Pregnancy on Amino Acid Levels and Nitrogen Disposition. Metabolites. Feb 07 2023;13(2)doi:10.3390/metabo13020242
43. Bonelli R, Woods SM, Lockwood S, et al. Spatial distribution of metabolites in the retina and its relevance to studies of metabolic retinal disorders. Metabolomics. Feb 06 2023;19(2):10. doi:10.1007/s11306-022-01969-6
44. Li S, Moheimani H, Herzig B, et al. High Dimensional Proteomics Identifies Organ Injury Patterns Associated with Outcomes in Human Trauma. J Trauma Acute Care Surg. Feb 13 2023;doi:10.1097/TA.0000000000003880
