To characterize the plasma NAcAA profile in T2D using a targeted LC–MS/MS approach, evaluate associations between individual NAcAAs and clinical traits, and develop a metabolite-based panel for T2D discrimination.
Key Findings:
Distinct plasma NAcAA profiles were observed between T2D and controls, with statistical significance.
Increased levels of N-acetyltryptophan and decreased levels of N-acetylproline, N-acetylglutamine, and N-acetyllysine were noted.
N-acetyltryptophan was positively associated with T2D (OR = 9.452, 95% CI 4.421–20.211), while N-acetylproline and N-acetyllysine showed inverse associations (OR = 0.041, 95% CI 0.015–0.111 and OR = 0.088, 95% CI 0.038–0.203, respectively).
An 8-metabolite panel achieved excellent discriminatory performance (AUC = 0.963, 95% CI 0.942–0.984).
Interpretation:
Targeted profiling of plasma NAcAAs reveals a distinct metabolic signature associated with T2D.
Limitations:
The study was conducted in a single hospital, which may limit generalizability.
The sample size, while substantial, may not capture all variations in the broader population.
Conclusion:
The study identifies a distinct metabolic signature associated with T2D through targeted profiling of plasma NAcAAs, indicating potential for developing a diagnostic panel.
