Metabolomic profiling of cerebrospinal fluid from dogs with meningoencephalitis of unknown origin by nuclear magnetic resonance

ABSTRACT:

Introduction: Meningoencephalitis of unknown origin (MUO) in dogs is a very debilitating and potentially fatal disease that is a potential model for multiple sclerosis in humans. The metabolomic profile of MUO has not been previously reported.

Objectives: To describe the metabolomic profile of the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of dogs with MUO and compare it with two different diseases affecting the central nervous system in dogs: steroid responsive meningitis-arteritis (SRMA) and idiopathic epilepsy (IE).

Methods: Untargeted metabolomics using 1H nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) was performed on surplus CSF of dogs diagnosed with MUO, SRMA and IE. Data were examined by both multivariate and univariate statistical analysis and also pathway analysis.

Results: Fifty-six metabolites were identified and quantified. The multivariate analysis of the canine data highlighted significant differences between the different diseases groups. Most metabolites were increased in SRMA and decreased in IE when compared to MUO. Most affected metabolites included those involved in energy metabolism. Pathway analysis revealed that pyruvate metabolism, glycolysis or gluconeogenesis and glycine, serine and threonine metabolism were overrepresented in the CSF of patients with MUO compared to IE

Conclusion: These results suggest that there is an increased energy demand in MUO. Our findings provide a first-time overview of CSF metabolic changes in MUO and offer potential insights for possible underlying pathogenesis and treatment strategies.

INSTRUMENT(S): Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) -

PROVIDER: MTBLS6053 | MetaboLights | 2026-03-05

REPOSITORIES: MetaboLights