Investigation of newborn blood metabolomics in varying intrauterine growth conditions

Abstract

ObjectivesThis study aimed to investigate changes in the blood metabolic profiles of newborns with varying intrauterine growth conditions. Specifically, we analyzed the levels of amino acids, carnitine, and succinylacetone among full-term newborns, including small for gestational age (SGA), appropriate for gestational age (AGA), and large for gestational age (LGA). We aim to identify differential metabolites and metabolic pathways that may offer insights into clinical interventions. MethodsA total of 5106 full-term newborns were included in the study. Blood samples were obtained from all newborns between 3 and 5 days after birth and analyzed using tandem mass spectrometry to detect blood metabolites. Subsequently, we screened for different metabolites and metabolic pathways among the groups using the MetaboAnalystR package (Version 1.0.1) in R software (R-3.6.0). ResultsThe levels of blood amino acids and carnitine metabolism differed significantly among newborns with varying intrauterine growth conditions. Full-term SGA newborns exhibited a decrease in multiple amino acids and an increase in multiple carnitines, while full-term LGA newborns showed an increase in multiple amino acids and acylcarnitines. ConclusionContinuous monitoring of the short-term and long-term growth and metabolic status of full-term SGA and LGA newborns is warranted with individualized dietary and nutritional adjustments to promote healthy growth in a timely manner. The findings of this research contribute to the broader understanding of SGA/LGA and shall inform future research on metabolomics, interventions, and long-term outcomes.