Screening of differential metabolites in the urine of obese boys

LIU Wei; DONG Jie; GAO Chaonan; QI Qianjin; KONG Yawei; MENG Xin; PENG Xiaoxia; YAN Yinkun

doi:10.11852/zgetbjzz2024-0654

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Chinese Journal of Child Health Care ›› 2025, Vol. 33 ›› Issue (2) : 180-184. DOI: 10.11852/zgetbjzz2024-0654

Original Articles

Screening of differential metabolites in the urine of obese boys

LIU Wei^1*, DONG Jie^2*, GAO Chaonan¹, QI Qianjin¹, KONG Yawei¹, MENG Xin¹, PENG Xiaoxia³, YAN Yinkun¹

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Abstract

Objective To investigate the differences in urinary metabolite profiles between obese and normal-weight boys, in order to provide preliminary clues for understanding the pathogenesis of obesity. Methods A case-control study design was employed. From September to October 2021, children aged 6 - 14 years were recruited from three boarding schools in Changsha, Hunan. Participants were divided into obese and normal-weight groups based on their weight status. Ten normal-weight boys and ten obese boys were matched by age(1∶1 ratio).24-hour urine samples were collected continuously for three days, mixed, and 2mL of urine was taken for targeted detection. Orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis(OPLS-DA) was used to compare the overall differences in metabolite composition between the two groups, and a combination of t-test and fold change(FC) values was employed to screen for differential metabolites. Result The levels of Indole-3-methyl acetate, Indole-3-propionic acid, Indoleacetic acid, Cholic acid, Glycocholic acid, Sulfated lithocholic acid, 7-dehydrocholic acid, Methylcysteine, Proline, and Sebacic acid were significantly lower in the obese group compared to the normal-weight group(Log₂FC≤-0.5, P <0.05). Conclusion Differences in urine metabolites exist between obese and normal-weight male children, which may provide new clues for the prevention and control of obesity.

Key words

obesity / differential metabolites / urine / metabolomics

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LIU Wei, DONG Jie, GAO Chaonan, QI Qianjin, KONG Yawei, MENG Xin, PENG Xiaoxia, YAN Yinkun. Screening of differential metabolites in the urine of obese boys[J]. Chinese Journal of Child Health Care. 2025, 33(2): 180-184 https://doi.org/10.11852/zgetbjzz2024-0654

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