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Alterations in plasma short-chain fatty acids in preadolescence children: The Hokkaido study
Yonghan Li1, Siddabasave Gowda B Gowda2, Divyavani Gowda3
1Graduate School of Health Sciences, Hokkaido University, Kita-12, Nishi-5, Kita-ku, Sapporo 060-0812, Japan.
Insights
Plasma short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) in children aged 9-12 show age-related changes, with higher propionic acid in overweight children. This research aids understanding of SCFAs in child development and health strategies.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Nutrition
- Metabolomics
- Child Health Research
Background:
- The Hokkaido Study on Children's Health is a longitudinal study initiated in 2002.
- Previous research indicates the importance of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) in human health.
- Understanding SCFA profiles in children is crucial for assessing growth and metabolic health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate plasma short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) concentrations in Japanese children aged 9-12.
- To examine correlations between SCFA levels and factors including age, sex, and body mass index (BMI).
- To establish a baseline for SCFA profiles in this pediatric cohort for future health studies.
Main Methods:
- Collected 342 non-fasting plasma samples from children aged 9-12 years.
- Utilized N,N-dimethylethylenediamine derivatization coupled with liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry for SCFA analysis.
- Measured height and weight to calculate BMI and analyzed SCFA concentrations against demographic and anthropometric data.
Main Results:
- Acetic acid was the most abundant SCFA across all participants.
- Concentrations of butyric, valeric, and hexanoic acids increased with age, while 4-hydroxy valeric acid decreased.
- Overweight children exhibited higher plasma propionic acid levels compared to normal-weight peers.
Conclusions:
- Plasma SCFA concentrations exhibit distinct age-related patterns in school-aged children.
- Body Mass Index (BMI) is associated with specific SCFA levels, notably propionic acid in overweight children.
- Findings contribute to understanding the role of SCFAs in pediatric development and inform future nutritional interventions.
Abstract:
The purpose of this study is to explore the plasma short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) concentrations in 9-12-year-old Japanese children collected in the Hokkaido study, focusing on how factors such as age, sex, and body mass index (BMI) correlate with these levels. The Hokkaido Study on Children's Health is an ongoing longitudinal study since 2002, encompassing 20,926 pregnant women in Hokkaido Prefecture, Japan, between 2003 and 2012. We contacted 1881 children aged 9-12 born between April 2006 and January 2010, and 342 non-fasting plasma samples (boys = 181, girls = 161) were obtained from this cohort, alongside assessments of their height and weight. Plasma SCFA concentrations were determined using N,N-dimethylethylenediamine derivatization method coupled with liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. Ethyl acetate was used to extract SCFAs from plasma, and the recovery ranged from 83 % to 108 %. Our findings indicate that acetic acid had the highest concentration across all age groups and sexes. The concentrations of butyric acid, valeric acid, and hexanoic acid increased with age, peaking in 12-year-old children. Conversely, the level of 4-hydroxy valeric acid showed a decreasing trend with increasing age groups. This study also explored the correlation between BMI and SCFA concentrations, comparatively higher level of propionic acid was observed in the overweight group. The results obtained in this study enhance our understanding of the role of SCFAs in the growth and development of children and provide a foundation for future nutritional intervention and health promotion strategies.
