Abstract
Objectives
Although metabolic syndrome (MetS) and its components are defined clinically, those with MetS may have various derangements in metabolic pathways. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the traits of urine organic acid metabolites indicating the metabolic intermediates of the pathways in the subjects with MetS.
Methods
This cross-sectional study included 246 men and 283 women in a hospital health check-up setting. Urine organic acid metabolites were assayed via high-performance liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry analyses. A high level of each metabolite was defined as the fifth quintile of the distribution.
Results
The subjects with MetS had high levels of pyruvate, α-ketoglutarate, α-ketoisovalerate, α-ketoisocaproate, formiminoglutamate, and quinolinate (odds ratios from 1.915 to 2.809 in logistic models adjusted for age and sex). Among the metabolites, pyruvate, formiminoglutamate, and quinolinate were not independent of homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA2-IR). Several metabolites were associated with one or more components of MetS and HOMA2-IR.
Conclusions
Urine organic acid metabolites in MetS are characterized in altered carbohydrate and amino acid metabolism. MetS shared some traits in insulin resistance. These findings may promote the understanding of the pathophysiology of MetS.
Plasma amino acid and urine organic acid profiles of Filipino patients with maple syrup urine disease (MSUD) and correlation with their neurologic features
