Assessment of Serum Metabolism and Eicosanoid Profiling in Pediatric Asthma and Bronchiolitis via Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry

Abstract

Background

Asthma, a prevalent chronic inflammatory respiratory disease among children, was the focus of this study. Serum metabolism profiles were examined in patients diagnosed with both asthma and bronchiolitis by using ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry.

Methods

In this study, the serum samples from three distinct groups—comprising patients diagnosed with asthma, bronchiolitis, and a healthy control group—underwent comprehensive non-targeted metabolomics analysis and targeted eicosanoid profiling.

Results

Through both univariate and multivariate analyses, significant associations were observed between the pathophysiology of both asthma and bronchiolitis and aberrations in the metabolism of polyunsaturated fatty acids, amino acids, purines, and pathways involving cyclooxygenases and lipoxygenases, indicative of inflammatory processes and immune responses. Furthermore, metabolic changes in phosphatidylethanolamine, saturated and monounsaturated fatty acids, and bile acids were observed in the asthma group. Bronchiolitis was distinguished by disruptions in acyl carnitine and phosphatidylcholine metabolism.

Conclusion

This study offers a new perspective on understanding the interplay of pathogenic mechanisms underlying both asthma and bronchiolitis. Its findings are significant for enhancing the diagnostic and therapeutic strategies tailored to asthma stemming from bronchiolitis.