Untargeted analysis of the plasma metabolome in canine acute pancreatitis

Abstract

Acute pancreatitis is a common condition in dogs associated with significant diagnostic and management challenges. Although current treatments largely provide supportive and symptomatic care, a more profound understanding of the metabolic response of canine acute pancreatitis might facilitate the development of more targeted interventions. This study characterized the plasma metabolomic profile of dogs with acute pancreatitis. Twelve dogs, including six clinically diagnosed with acute pancreatitis and six healthy controls, were investigated. Plasma samples were analyzed using liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry, and the resulting metabolomic data were assessed using partial least squares discriminant analysis, revealing clear separation between the groups. Pathway analysis identified significant alterations in glycine, serine, and threonine metabolism; histidine metabolism; and arginine biosynthesis, with additional trends observed in nitrogen metabolism. Five metabolites displayed diagnostic relevance, with γ-glutamylmethionine, 4-hydroxynonenal–glutathione, γ-glutamylalanine, and pyrocatechol levels being significantly reduced in dogs with acute pancreatitis (all p < 0.001) and N-acetyl-Leu levels being significantly elevated (p < 0.001). These metabolites demonstrated strong discriminatory power, and they represent potential biomarkers for canine acute pancreatitis, particularly reflecting oxidative stress, inflammation, and altered amino acid metabolism. Further research is warranted to validate their clinical utility and explore their mechanistic roles in the pathophysiology of acute pancreatitis, potentially guiding future diagnostic and therapeutic innovations in veterinary medicine.