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Published on: August 9, 2024
Urinary organic acids as biomarkers in the assessment of pulmonary function in children with asthma
Maria Michelle Papamichael1, Charis Katsardis2, Bircan Erbas3
1La Trobe University, School of Allied Health, Department of Rehabilitation, Nutrition & Sport, Melbourne, Australia.
Insights
This study found links between specific urinary organic acids and lung function in children with asthma. These findings suggest metabolomics may help identify new biomarkers for monitoring childhood asthma.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Pulmonology
- Metabolomics
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Childhood asthma prevalence is increasing despite medical advancements.
- Understanding asthma's biochemical pathways is crucial for better management.
- Existing diagnostic tools may benefit from complementary biochemical markers.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate correlations between urinary organic acids and pulmonary function tests in Greek children with asthma.
- To explore the potential of metabolomics in identifying asthma biomarkers.
- To examine associations between organic acids and asthma control.
Main Methods:
- Recruited 72 children (5-12 years) diagnosed with asthma.
- Assessed pulmonary function using spirometry and exhaled nitric oxide (eNO).
- Analyzed 34 urinary organic acids via gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and measured asthma control using the Asthma Control Questionnaire.
Main Results:
- Found significant correlations between specific organic acids (lactic acid, 4-hydroxyphenylacetic acid, 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid, glycolic acid, malic acid) and pulmonary function parameters (FEV1, FVC, FEV1/FVC, eNO, PEF).
- Identified a significant difference in asthma control scores and lactic acid levels between boys and girls.
- Malic acid showed a significant correlation with asthma control.
Conclusions:
- Metabolomics successfully identified correlations between urinary organic acids and conventional pulmonary diagnostics in childhood asthma.
- Urinary organic acids show potential as novel biomarkers for asthma monitoring and therapeutic target identification.
- This research enhances understanding of asthma's underlying biochemical pathways.
Abstract:
Childhood asthma prevalence continues to rise despite advancements in prevention and medical management strategies. The purpose of this study was to investigate correlations between urinary organic acids and pulmonary diagnostic tests, asthma control in Greek asthmatic children. We hypothesized that urinary organic acids are positively associated with poor pulmonary function in children with asthma. Seventy-two children, 5 to 12 years old with asthma were recruited from a pediatric asthma clinic in Athens, Greece. Pulmonary function was assessed using spirometry and exhaled nitric oxide analysis. Asthma control was measured qualitatively using the Asthma Control Questionnaire. Targeted metabolomic analysis of 34 urinary organic acids in children was conducted by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. A statistically significant difference between girls and boys was found for asthma control score (P = .02), lactic acid (P = .03), but not for any other organic acids (P > .05). Statistically significant correlations were found between lactic acid and Forced Expiratory Volume in 1 second (FEV1) (P = .02), Forced Vital Capacity (FVC) (P = .03); 4- hydroxyphenylacetic acid and FEV1 (P = .01), FVC (P = .01); 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid and FEV1/FVC (P = .03), eNO (P = .05); glycolic acid with Peak Expiratory Flow (PEF) (P = .03); and malic acid with asthma control (P = .02). In conclusion, metabolomics was used to determine correlations between urinary organic acids and conventional pulmonary diagnostic tests in Greek asthmatic children. Metabolomics could be a promising approach for asthma research and in detection of novel biomarkers for asthma monitoring and therapeutic targets for childhood asthma. This study contributes towards a better understanding of the biochemical pathways involved in asthma.
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