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Caution in studying and interpreting the lupus metabolome
1Department of biomedical engineering, University of Houston, Houston, TX, 77204, USA.
Arthritis Research & Therapy
|July 19, 2020
Summary
Metabolomics reveals altered metabolic pathways in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), showing reduced energy substrates and increased inflammation. Findings require careful interpretation due to confounders like medications and diet.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Immunology
- Systems Biology
Background:
- Metabolomics offers insights into systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) pathophysiology.
- Previous studies have identified distinct metabolic profiles in SLE patients.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review and synthesize current metabolomics findings in SLE.
- To compare metabolite profiles between SLE patients and healthy controls.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review of published metabolomics studies on SLE.
- Analysis of serum or plasma samples using mass spectrometry or nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy.
Main Results:
- SLE patients exhibit reduced glycolysis, Krebs cycle, fatty acid oxidation, and amino acid metabolism.
- Increased urea cycle activity, altered fatty acid profiles (decreased long-chain, increased medium-chain/free fatty acids), and augmented peroxidation/inflammation observed.
- Metabolic changes related to inflammation, oxidative stress, and glutathione generation appear independent of steroid use.
Conclusions:
- Metabolomics reveals significant metabolic dysregulation in SLE.
- Confounders such as medications, comorbidities, smoking, and diet must be considered in SLE metabolomics research.
- Steroids may influence certain metabolic alterations, but not those related to inflammation and oxidative stress.
