Untargeted metabolomics analysis of COPD plasma

ABSTRACT:

Background: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a progressive inflammatory disorder with rising global morbidity and mortality. Emerging evidence suggests that systemic metabolic alterations, particularly dyslipidemia, contribute to COPD pathogenesis. However, the mechanisms linking lipid dysregulation to pulmonary inflammation and tissue injury remain poorly defined.

Methods: Untargeted metabolomic profiling was performed on plasma samples from healthy individuals and patients with COPD to identify disease associated metabolic alterations. A high-cholesterol diet (HCD) mouse model, with or without chronic cigarette smoke exposure, was used to examine the impact of systemic cholesterol elevation on lung structure and inflammation. Complementary in vitro studies using THP-1 derived and bone marrow derived macrophages were conducted to investigate mitochondrial function, ROS generation, and downstream signaling pathways. Transcriptomic analyses were employed to identify key molecular mediators.

Results: Plasma metabolomics revealed significant dysregulation of lipid metabolism in COPD, with elevated cholesterol levels correlating inversely with lung function. In vivo, HCD feeding induced pulmonary inflammation and further exacerbated cigarette smoke induced lung tissue destruction. In macrophages, combined cholesterol loading and cigarette smoke extraction treatment disrupted mitochondrial integrity, reduced respiratory capacity, and increase ROS generation. Elevated ROS levels upregulated PPIA, which in turn activated NF-κB signaling and promoted IL-1β secretion. Silencing PPIA or inhibiting ROS significantly attenuated NF-κB activation and cytokine release. Consistent with these findings, increased PPIA expression and NF-κB phosphorylation were observed in lungs of HCD-fed, cigarette smoke exposed mice, and PPIA levels were elevated in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid from COPD patients.

INSTRUMENT(S): Liquid Chromatography MS - negative - reverse-phase, Liquid Chromatography MS - positive - reverse-phase

PROVIDER: MTBLS13388 | MetaboLights | 2025-11-26

REPOSITORIES: MetaboLights