Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 12, 2026
Candidate Gene Testing in Clinical Cohort Studies with Multiplexed Genotyping and Mass Spectrometry
Published on: June 21, 2018
Causal relationship between fatty acid metabolism and allergic asthma: a mendelian randomization and multi-omics
ShangRao Mo1,2, JinYue Wang3,4, Xiao Li5
1Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Beijing Anzhen Nanchong Hospital, Capital Medical University & Nanchong Central Hospital, Nanchong, China.
Objective:
Allergic asthma (AAS) arises from intricate gene-environment interactions, yet its pathophysiological mechanisms remain incompletely understood. This study employs a multi-omics approach to elucidate the regulatory role of metabolites in AAS pathogenesis, aiming to identify novel therapeutic targets and preventive strategies.
Methods:
We conducted bidirectional two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis on 1,400 serum metabolites, followed by co-localization analysis to validate shared genetic loci. Metabolic pathway enrichment focusing on rate-limiting enzymes was performed, complemented by protein-protein interaction (PPI) network construction. MR was systematically applied to assess the impact of 17 lifestyle factors on AAS-associated metabolites.
Results:
Six metabolites including Carnitine C14 (OR = 2.660) and 3-hydroxyoleoylcarnitine (OR = 1.620) showed significant associations with AAS after false discovery rate (FDR) correction (FDR < 0.05). Co-localization analysis (PPH3 + PPH4 > 0.9) identified fatty acid metabolism as the central pathway, with ACACB demonstrating significant interaction with salbutamol's target ADRB3. Lifestyle modulation analysis revealed cereal intake suppressed Carnitine C14 metabolism (p = 0.007), while cheese (p = 0.029) and oily fish consumption (p = 0.015) regulated 3-hydroxyoleoylcarnitine levels.
Conclusions:
This multi-omics integration study pioneers in delineating fatty acid metabolic reprogramming as a central mechanism in AAS pathogenesis. The identified ACACB-ADRB3 axis presents a novel therapeutic target, while dietary modulations of metabolite profiles offer promising avenues for personalized prevention strategies, advancing precision medicine in asthma management.
Related Concept Videos
01:26Asthma-II: Pathophysiology and Classification
Additionally, environmental and genetic factors play crucial roles in determining an individual's susceptibility to asthma and the severity of their condition.
Critical processes in asthma pathophysiology include:
01:20Asthma: Pathogenesis and Management
Asthma is classified as allergic and non-allergic. Allergens such as dust mites, pollen, and pet dander trigger allergic asthma, while factors like cold air, intense emotions, or exercise can induce non-allergic asthma.
01:25Antiasthma Drugs: Mast Cell Stabilizers and Anti-IgE Drugs
Mast cell stabilizers, such as cromolyn (also known as sodium cromoglycate) and nedocromil (Tilade), are effective drugs in asthma management. These stabilizers hinder histamine release by skillfully obstructing the activation of mast cells and other cellular entities. Notably, they navigate this task without...
01:29Asthma-I: Introduction
01:28Overview of Fatty Acid Metabolism
Fatty acids are catabolized in a process called beta-oxidation, which takes place in the matrix of the mitochondria and converts their fatty acid chains into two-carbon units of acetyl groups. The acetyl...
01:11Genome-wide Association Studies-GWAS
GWAS does not require the identification of the target gene involved in...