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Metabolite Comparison between Spleen-Deficiency and Healthy Children
Zhiyi Liang1, Qianzeng Fu1,2, Haiman Li1,2
1School of Acupuncture-Moxibustion, Tuina and Rehabilitation, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha 410208, China.
Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine : Ecam
|April 24, 2023
Summary
Children with spleen-deficiency exhibit distinct metabolic profiles in urine and feces, showing altered levels of key metabolites. These metabolic disorders may increase their susceptibility to digestive system diseases.
Area of Science:
- Metabolomics
- Pediatrics
- Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)
Background:
- Spleen-deficiency in children is associated with increased susceptibility to digestive system diseases.
- Understanding the metabolic underpinnings of spleen-deficiency is crucial for developing targeted interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the metabolomic profiles of feces and urine between children with spleen-deficiency and healthy children.
- To elucidate the metabolic basis of spleen-deficiency and its link to digestive disease susceptibility.
Main Methods:
- Inclusion of 20 children with spleen-deficiencies and 17 healthy controls.
- Analysis of fecal and urine samples using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS).
- Multivariate statistical analysis (PCA, PLS-DA) and database comparisons for metabolite identification.
Main Results:
- Children with spleen-deficiency showed reduced levels of glucuronic acid, xanthine, and indole-3-acetaldehyde.
- Elevated levels of quinic acid, adenine, 4-methyl-5-thiazole-ethanol, 3-formyl indole, and 5-hydroxy indole-3-acetic acid were observed.
- Disruptions in tryptophan, cysteine, methionine, and pentose phosphate metabolic pathways were identified.
Conclusions:
- Metabolic disorders are present in children with spleen-deficiency, potentially influenced by diet, genetics, and personal factors.
- These metabolic alterations may contribute to increased digestive disease risk in affected children.
- Findings provide a foundation for research into TCM constitution and spleen-deficiency management.
