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Metabolomics of urinary organic acids in respiratory chain deficiencies in children

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Abstract

Metabolomic analysis of the urinary organic acids from 39 selected children with defined respiratory chain deficiencies (RCDs) was performed using untargeted gas chromatography–mass spectrometry, revealing the presence of 255 endogenous and 46 exogenous substances. Variable reduction identified 92 variables from the endogenous substances, which could be analysed by univariate and multivariate statistical methods. Using these methods, no characteristic organic acid biomarker profile could be defined of practical value for diagnostic purposes for complex I (CI), complex III (CIII) and multiple complex (CM) deficiencies. The statistical procedures used did, however, disclose 24 metabolites that were practical highly (d > 0.75) and statistically (P < 0.05) significant for the combined and clinically closely related group of RCDs. Several of these metabolites occur in single enzyme inherited metabolic diseases, but most were not previously reported to be linked to the metabolic perturbations that are due to RCDs. Ultimately, we constructed a global metabolic profile of carbohydrate, amino acid and fatty acid catabolism, illuminating the diverse and complex biochemical consequences of these disorders. This metabolomics investigation disclosed a metabolite profile that has the potential to define an extended and characteristic biosignature for RCDs and the development of a non-invasive screening procedure for these disorders.

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Acknowledgement

We would like to thank Dr. M. Duran from the Laboratory for Genetic and Metabolic Diseases, Amsterdam Medical Centre (AMC), The Netherlands, for valuable comments on the original manuscript. This study formed part of BioPAD Project BPP007, funded by the South African Department of Science and Technology. Additional financial support from North-West University is likewise acknowledged.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Centre for Human Metabonomics, North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, Potchefstroom, South Africa

    Carolus J. Reinecke, Francois H. van der Westhuizen, Roan Louw, Jeremie Z. Lindeque & Lodewyk J. Mienie

  2. Statistical Consultation Services, North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, Potchefstroom, South Africa

    Gerhard Koekemoer

  3. Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Steve Biko Academic Hospital, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa

    Izelle Smuts

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  1. Carolus J. Reinecke
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  2. Gerhard Koekemoer
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  3. Francois H. van der Westhuizen
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  4. Roan Louw
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  5. Jeremie Z. Lindeque
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  6. Lodewyk J. Mienie
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  7. Izelle Smuts
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Correspondence to Carolus J. Reinecke.

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Reinecke, C.J., Koekemoer, G., van der Westhuizen, F.H. et al. Metabolomics of urinary organic acids in respiratory chain deficiencies in children. Metabolomics 8, 264–283 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11306-011-0309-0

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