Nontargeted metabolomics analysis in allergic conjunctivitis

Abstract

Purpose

Allergic conjunctivitis is a disease with a high prevalence in the world. In this study, untargeted metabolomics analyzes were performed to investigate the metabolic profile of the disease in serum samples of allergic conjunctivitis patients.

Methods

Serum samples were obtained from 20 allergic conjunctivitis patients and 20 healthy subjects. Untargeted metabolomics analyzes were performed by LC/Q-TOF/MS (liquid chromatography quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry) method. Data collection, classification and identification were performed with the METLIN database and XCMS.

Results

A total of 152 different metabolites were identified and labeled. All annotated metabolites exhibited a 1.5-fold change (increase or decrease) and had a p-value of less than or equal to 0.05 when comparing groups. All statistical data indicated that the model was statistically significant and the p-value is less than or equal to 0.05. All annotated metabolites were evaluated and pathway analysis were performed with significantly altered metabolites.

Conclusion

In this study, significant differences in histamine, fatty acid, sphingolipid, purine, vitamin and melatonin metabolism were observed in allergic conjunctivitis patients. It has been determined that disruption of the cell barrier due to changes in fat metabolism, activation of inflammation pathways and irregularity in sphingolipid metabolism play an important role in the underlying mechanisms of allergic conjunctivitis.