Chinese scientists have created a plasma metabolome atlas mapping connections between blood metabolites and a wide range of human diseases. The breakthrough provides a critical tool for early diagnosis, prognosis, and drug development.
The study was led by researchers from Fudan University and its affiliated Huashan Hospital. They systematically analyzed plasma metabolites and their associations with thousands of diseases and traits in humans. The findings were recently published in Nature Metabolism and Nature Communications.
According to You Jia, a researcher at Fudan University’s Institute of Science and Technology for Brain-Inspired Intelligence, metabolites reveal complex interactions among genes, behavior, and the environment. They serve as important indicators of health and disease.
The team evaluated 313 plasma metabolite indicators and identified more than 50,000 significant associations with diseases. Lipid metabolism disorders showed widespread influence across multiple disease systems. Indicators related to large-particle low-density lipoprotein exhibited the strongest disease links.
A key discovery involves the timeline of disease progression. For over half of the significant metabolites, abnormal levels appeared up to a decade before clinical diagnosis. Moreover, metabolite changes showed sharp shifts at ages 46 and 64.
For clinical applications, the researchers created a metabolite risk score to diagnose 94 existing diseases and predict 81 emerging conditions. Biomarkers such as creatinine, glycoprotein acetyl, and albumin were identified as key indicators.
The study also explored genetic links between metabolites and diseases, uncovering several potential drug targets. You Jia emphasized that monitoring metabolite changes can provide early warning signals before disease onset.
Physicians can use the atlas to design personalized health plans, including diet, exercise, and medication. This approach advances precision medicine and improves the ability to prevent and treat disease effectively.
Experts note that the plasma metabolome atlas represents a major step in systems biology and medical research. It may enhance global efforts in preventive healthcare and inform drug discovery.
Looking ahead, researchers plan to refine the atlas, integrate larger datasets, and explore real-world applications. The plasma metabolome atlas could transform how clinicians and patients approach disease prevention and management.
