Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery alters serum metabolites and fatty acids in patients with morbid obesity

Bariatric surgery induces significant weight loss, increases insulin sensitivity, and reduces mortality, but the underlying mechanisms are not clear. It was hypothesized that Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) surgery improves metabolic profile along with weight loss. The objective of this pilot study was to evaluate changes in serum metabolites and fatty acids (FA) at 2 weeks and 6 months after RYGB.

Serum samples were collected pre-surgery, at 2 weeks and 6 months post-surgery from 20 patients undergoing RYGB surgery. Serum non-esterified free FA (NEFA) were measured. Serum metabolites and FA were measured using nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy and improved direct fatty acid methyl ester synthesis and the gas chromatography/mass spectrometry method, respectively, in subjects who completed follow-up at 6 months (n = 8).

Mean (standard deviation) percent total weight loss was 6.70% (1.7) and 24.91% (6.63) at 2 weeks (n = 15) and 6 months (n = 8) post-surgery, respectively. NEFA were significantly reduced at 6 months post-surgery (P = 0.001, n = 8). Serum branched chain amino acids, 2-aminobutyrate, butyrate, 2-hydroxybutyrate, 3-hydroxybutyrate, acetone, 2-methylglutarate, and 2-oxoisocaproate were significantly reduced, while serum alanine, glycine, pyruvate, and taurine were significantly elevated at 6 months post-surgery compared with pre-surgery (n = 8, P < 0.05). Also, serum FA C10:0, C13:0, C14:0, C15:0, and C18:0 increased significantly (n = 8, P < 0.05) by 6 months post-surgery.

Changes in serum metabolites and FA at 6 months post-RYGB surgery in this pilot study with limited number of participants are suggestive of metabolic improvement; larger studies are warranted for confirmation.