Targeted Metabolomics Revealed a Sex-Dependent Signature for Metabolic Syndrome in the Mexican Population

Abstract

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a group of several metabolic conditions predisposing to chronic diseases. Individuals diagnosed with MetS are physiologically heterogeneous, with significant sex-specific differences. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the potential sex-specific serum modifications of amino acids and acylcarnitines (ACs) and their relationship with MetS in the Mexican population. This study included 602 participants from the Health Workers Cohort Study. Forty serum metabolites were analyzed using a targeted metabolomics approach. Multivariate regression models were used to test associations of clinical and biochemical parameters with metabolomic profiles. Our findings showed a serum amino acid signature (citrulline and glycine) and medium-chain ACs (AC14:1, AC10, and AC18:10H) associated with MetS. Glycine and AC10 were specific metabolites representative of discrimination according to sex-dependent MetS. In addition, we found that glycine and short-chain ACs (AC2, AC3, and AC8:1) are associated with age-dependent MetS. We also reported a significant correlation between body fat and metabolites associated with sex-age-dependent MetS. In conclusion, the metabolic profile varies by MetS status, and these differences are sex-age-dependent in the Mexican population.

Genetic risk score for insulin resistance based on gene variants associated to amino acid metabolism in young adults

“…Concerning the differences on amino acids levels observed between men and women, our results are consistent with previous reports demonstrating that men have higher histidine, methionine, tyrosine and BCAA concentrations than women [ 54 – 56 ]. A possible explanation to the lower concentration of BCAAs in women could be related to the high catabolism of BCAAs in adipocytes [ 57 ], and the higher amount of body fat present in women [ 58 ].…”

Population serum proteomics uncovers a prognostic protein classifier for metabolic syndrome

“…Multiple metabolites involved in these metabolic pathways have been reported to be related to MetS. Examples of such metabolites include oleic acid, 12 epinephrine, 54 phosphatidylcholine, 55 C, 56 and homocysteine 57 ( Figures S5 and S6 ).…”

“…Their findings indicate that serum acylcarnitines and amino acids are associated with MetS. 12 By utilizing untargeted metabolomics, the French occupational GAZEL cohort consisting of 206 subjects achieved a successful prediction of MetS occurrence, with an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.86. 13 Metabolomics is a potent technique for investigating metabolic disorders as it provides direct insight into an organism’s current metabolic state.…”