Identification of metabolic phenotypes in childhood obesity by 1H NMR metabolomics of blood plasma.

ABSTRACT: Aim:To identify the plasma metabolic profile associated with childhood obesity and its metabolic phenotypes. Materials & methods:The plasma metabolic profile of 65 obese and 37 normal-weight children was obtained using proton NMR spectroscopy. NMR spectra were rationally divided into 110 integration regions, which reflect relative metabolite concentrations, and were used as statistical variables. Results:Obese children show increased levels of lipids, N-acetyl glycoproteins, and lactate, and decreased levels of several amino acids, ?-ketoglutarate, glucose, citrate, and cholinated phospholipids as compared with normal-weight children. Metabolically healthy children show lower levels of lipids and lactate, and higher levels of several amino acids and cholinated phospholipids, as compared with unhealthy children. Conclusion:This study reveals new valuable findings in the field of metabolomics and childhood obesity. Although validation should be performed, the proof of principle looks promising and justifies a deeper investigation of the diagnostic possibilities of proton NMR metabolomics in follow-up studies. Trial registration: NCT03014856. Registered January 9, 2017.

SUBMITTER: Bervoets L 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6060399 | biostudies-literature | 2018 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature