Metabolites

16 pages, 1564 KB

Open AccessArticle

Altered Carnitine Metabolism in Ischemic and Non-Ischemic Cardiomyopathy: A Comparative Metabolomics Study Using LC–MS/MS

by Yasemin Behram Kandemir, Ünal Güntekin, Veysel Tosun, İsmail Koyuncu and Özgür Yüksekdağ

Metabolites 2025, 15(11), 685; https://doi.org/10.3390/metabo15110685 (registering DOI) - 22 Oct 2025

Abstract

Background: Cardiomyopathy is a major cause of heart failure. Ischemic cardiomyopathy (IC) and non-ischemic cardiomyopathy (NIC) have distinct pathophysiological mechanisms. Carnitine plays a critical role in transporting long-chain fatty acids into mitochondria for β-oxidation. Disruptions in carnitine and acylcarnitine homeostasis have been implicated in cardiomyopathy; however, comparative profiling between IC and NIC remains limited. Methods: Serum samples were obtained from 40 IC patients, 40 NIC patients, and 40 age- and sex-matched controls. Free carnitine and 27 acylcarnitine species were quantified using LC–MS/MS. Multivariate analyses (PCA, PLS-DA), univariate statistics (ANOVA with Tukey’s HSD), and ROC curve analyses were performed to identify discriminatory metabolites and assess their diagnostic performance. Results: Compared with controls, IC patients exhibited reduced levels of short- and medium-chain acylcarnitines (C2, C4DC, C6, C8, C10, and C14), whereas NIC patients showed elevations in medium- and long-chain species (C6DC and C16). Heatmaps demonstrated clear group clustering. PCA and PLS-DA revealed partial separation, with C2, C6DC, and C16 emerging as the most influential metabolites (highest VIP scores). ROC analysis indicated modest diagnostic performance, with AUC values ranging from 0.623 to 0.635. Conclusions: IC and NIC are characterized by distinct alterations in serum carnitine profiles, reflecting differential metabolic remodeling. These findings may clarify disease mechanisms and highlight potential metabolic biomarkers or therapeutic targets. Acylcarnitine profiling could support differential diagnosis and personalized management in cardiomyopathy. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Metabolic Profiling via Gas Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry and Liquid Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry)

20 pages, 5998 KB

Open AccessArticle

Land Use Shapes the Rhizosphere Microbiome and Metabolome of Naturally Growing Barbarea vulgaris

by Emoke Dalma Kovacs and Melinda Haydee Kovacs

Metabolites 2025, 15(11), 684; https://doi.org/10.3390/metabo15110684 - 22 Oct 2025

Abstract

Background: Land use change fundamentally alters soil microbial communities and biochemical processes, yet the integrated effects on rhizosphere microbiome–metabolome networks remained poorly understood. Objective: This study investigated land uses as forest, grassland and intermediary edge shape the rhizosphere biochemical networks of naturally grown Barbarea vulgaris. Methods: Rhizosphere soils of Barbarea vulgaris were analysed for microbial community structure abundance, and metabolomic profile applying phospholipid fatty acid (PLFA) profiling and mass spectrometric untargeted metabolomics (GC–MS/MS and MALDI–TOF/TOF MS). These were coupled with co–inertia analysis to assess microbiome–metabolome interactions. Results: Microbial community analysis revealed significant effects of land use on bacterial community structure (G+/G−, p < 0.001). Untargeted metabolomics identified 248 metabolites, of which 161 were mapped to KEGG pathways. Amino acids and derivatives (21.1%) followed by organic acids (16.8%) were the most representative among identified metabolites. Pathway enrichment analysis revealed coordinated reprogramming of central carbon and nitrogen metabolism across land use gradients, particularly in the amino acid metabolism, TCA cycle, and glycolysis/gluconeogenesis pathways. Microbiome–metabolome coupling analysis revealed distinct correlation patterns between microbial phenotypes and metabolite classes, with forest environments showing the strongest biochemical network integration (RV = 0.91). Edge habitats presented intermediate signatures, supporting their role as transitional zones with unique biochemical properties. Conclusions: The environmental context fundamentally shapes rhizosphere biochemical network organization through coordinated shifts in bacterial community structure and metabolic pathway activity. These habitat-specific metabolic signatures suggest that land use change triggers adaptive biochemical responses that may influence plant performance and ecosystem functioning across environmental gradients. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Metabolic Profiling via Gas Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry and Liquid Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry)

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13 pages, 265 KB

Open AccessCommunication

Investigation of Metabolites in Feces and Plasma Associated with the Number of Piglets Weaned per Sow per Year

by Takamitsu Tsukahara, Hiroto Miura, Takahiro Kawase, Shu Yoshimura, Yoshihiro Mizukami, Yoshihiro Yahara, Kikuto Fukuta and Ryo Inoue

Metabolites 2025, 15(11), 683; https://doi.org/10.3390/metabo15110683 - 22 Oct 2025

Abstract

Background: Sow reproductive performance is a critical parameter for the productivity of commercial pig farms. Gut microbiota is associated with performance in sow reproduction. At least, under healthy conditions, microbial metabolites from the gut microbiota are considered major contributors to host physiological regulation and productivity. However, information on the differences in gut-derived metabolites related to the sow reproductive performance remain scarce. Our aim was to investigate the relationship between the reproductive performance and microbial metabolite levels in sow’s feces and plasma. Methods: We selected four commercial farms: two with high- (group H) and two with low-reproductive performance (group L). Sows had their feces and blood collected. Results: Except for the iso-butyrate concentration, fecal short-chain fatty acid concentrations remained unchanged between groups. Among intestinal putrefactive metabolites, the indole concentration was higher (p < 0.05) in group H. The concentrations of plasma metabolites p-cresyl sulfate, p-cresyl glucuronide and trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO) were higher (p < 0.05) in group L than in group H, while the opposite was true for the acetate concentration (p < 0.05). Among plasma biochemicals, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha and potassium concentrations were higher (p < 0.05) in group L. Conclusions: Blood metabolites, especially gut microbiota-derived metabolites, seemed to be associated with the performance related to sow reproduction. Particularly, harmful metabolites such as p-cresyl glucuronide, p-cresyl sulfate and TMAO were of importance, because they are potentially inflammation factors. In fact, TNF-alpha was stimulated in group L. According to our results, we estimated that p-cresyl glucuronide, p-cresyl sulfate, TMAO and TNF-alpha could be useful physiological indicators to understand sow reproductive performance. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutritional and Metabolic Influences on Animal Growth and Reproduction)

15 pages, 5989 KB

Open AccessArticle

Metabolic Signatures of Four Polygonatum Rhizoma Species Mapped Using Untargeted Metabolomics

by Ning Jia, Jinlan Jiang, Wei Ye and Jiqin Liu

Metabolites 2025, 15(11), 682; https://doi.org/10.3390/metabo15110682 - 22 Oct 2025

Abstract

Background/Objectives: Polygonati rhizoma (PR) is a common traditional Chinese medicine that has been used for 2000 years in China, serving as both food and medicine. It is known for various health benefits, including antidiabetic effects, regulation of gut microbiota, and enhancement of immunity. The most popular PR varieties are Polygonatum kingianum Coll. et Hemsl. (PK), Polygonatum sibiricum Red. (PS), Polygonatum cyrtonema Hua (PC), and Polygonatum odoratum (Mill.) Druce (PO). We aimed to determine the differences among these four PR species. Methods: Using an untargeted mass spectrometer we conducted a metabolomic analysis. Results: We detected 2360, 2336, 2381, and 2355 unique polysaccharide, steroid, alkaloid, nucleoside, and peptide metabolites, among which 10, 36, 5, and 26 were specific to PK, PS, PC, and PO, respectively. Differentially expressed polysaccharide, steroid, and alkaloid metabolites were identified in the four species. A total of 61, 56, 61, and 57 carbohydrates were identified in the PK, PS, PC, and PO, respectively; 33, 32, 29, and 30 steroids were identified in the PK, PS, PC, and PO, respectively; and 10, 12, 12, and 11 alkaloids were identified in PK, PS, PC, and PO, respectively. Conclusions: Our findings provide novel insights into the overall metabolome of the four PR species, improve understanding of their functions and effectiveness, and provide a theoretical basis for qualitative evaluation and comprehensive PR applications. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bioactive Metabolites from Plants)

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Metabolites, Volume 15, Issue 11 (November 2025) – 4 articles

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