Untargeted metabolomics reveals gender- and age- independent metabolic changes of type 1 diabetes in Chinese children

Introduction Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is a chronic condition associated with multiple complications that substantially affect both the quality of life and the life-span of children. Untargeted Metabolomics has provided new insights into disease pathogenesis and risk assessment. Methods In this study, we characterized the serum metabolic profiles of 76 children with T1D and 65 gender- and age- matched healthy controls using gas chromatography coupled with timeof-flight mass spectrometry. In parallel, we comprehensively evaluated the clinical phenome of T1D patients, including routine blood and urine tests, and concentrations of cytokines, hormones, proteins, and trace elements. Results A total of 70 differential metabolites covering 11 metabolic pathways associated with T1D were identified, which were mainly carbohydrates, indoles, unsaturated fatty acids, amino acids, and organic acids. Subgroup analysis revealed that the metabolic changes were consistent among pediatric patients at different ages or gender but were closely associated with the duration of the disease. Discussion Carbohydrate metabolism, unsaturated fatty acid biosynthesis, and gut microbial metabolism were identified as distinct metabolic features of pediatric T1D. These metabolic changes were also associated with T1D, which may provide important insights into the pathogenesis of the complications associated with diabetes.