#AI reads Urine# Longitudinal pilot study of urine metabolite profiling in Indian males exposed to high-altitude
Published 23 May, 2025
This study focuses on changes in urinary metabolites in Indian males exposed to high-altitude environments. Sixteen healthy males aged 22 to 35 were recruited, and first-morning urine samples were collected at a baseline altitude of 210 meters and a high altitude of 4,200 meters. Untargeted metabolomics analysis was performed using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS), combined with multivariate statistical methods to screen differentially expressed metabolites and analyze metabolic pathways.
The study found that 33 urinary metabolites showed significant changes at high altitude, primarily involving the biosynthesis and metabolism of amino acids such as phenylalanine, tyrosine, and tryptophan, as well as metabolic pathways including biotin, vitamin B6, and the tricarboxylic acid cycle. Among them, five metabolites—2-tetrahydrothiopheneacetic acid, abietin, and others—were identified as potential biomarkers with high sensitivity and specificity for distinguishing between low-altitude and high-altitude states.
This longitudinal metabolomics study at 4,200 meters altitude reveals the impact of hypoxic environments on human metabolic adaptation, providing insights into the pathophysiological mechanisms of high-altitude-related diseases. However, the study has limitations due to its small sample size and exclusive focus on male participants, necessitating larger-scale research for further validation.
Sci Rep. 2025 May 15;15(1):16981. doi: 10.1038/s41598-025-00312-y.
Youhe Gao
Statement: During the preparation of this work the author(s) used Doubao / AI reading for summarizing the content. After using this tool/service, the author(s) reviewed and edited the content as needed and take(s) full responsibility for the content of the published article.
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