Metabolomics Analysis Using Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry to Investigate the Mechanism of Cyclosporine in the Treatment of Aplastic Anemia.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to use metabolomics techniques to detect differential metabolites in the plasma of patients with aplastic anemia (AA). We explore important biomarkers and potential pathways in cyclosporine A (CsA) in the treatment of AA.

METHODS

Plasma samples from five patients with AA before and after treatment and plasma samples from five healthy people were collected and analyzed by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Multivariate statistical methods were employed to screen for differential compounds, followed by enrichment analysis of the differentially metabolites.

RESULTS

The experimental samples showed good stability and reproducibility. A total of 167 differential metabolites, including phospholipids, amino acids, and saturated or unsaturated fatty acids, were identified between AA patients and healthy individuals. Enrichment analysis of differential metabolites revealed the involvement of pathways such as pyrimidine metabolism, galactose metabolism, pantothenate and CoA biosynthesis, and forkhead box transcription factors signaling. A total of 26 differential metabolites were identified between AA patients and stable patients after treatment. Enrichment analysis of these metabolites showed the involvement of pathways such as pyrimidine metabolism, linoleic acid/α-linoleic acid metabolism, pantothenate and CoA biosynthesis, and beta-alanine metabolism.

CONCLUSION

Significant differences in metabolites were observed between AA patients and healthy individuals, suggesting that immune-related and energy metabolism pathways may be key targets in AA treatment. CsA intervention in AA may be achieved through the regulation of immune-related metabolic pathways.