Serum Metabolomic Characteristics of Patients with Liver Cirrhotic Ascites

Chronic hepatitis B is a common and frequently encountered disease in our country, the final outcome of which develops into liver cirrhosis and primary liver cancer. It was the aim of this study to provide a theoretical basis for the early diagnosis and treatment of liver cirrhosis. Ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS) is used to analyze endogenous bioactive substance change in healthy controls and patients with liver cirrhotic ascites. A metabolic fingerprint spectrum was established for the analysis. The results show that metabolic profiling of the serum indicates significant differences between the controls and the patients. Except for the tyrosine content which was decreased in the serum, the other 12 amino acids and 8 conjugated bile acids were significantly increased compared to controls (p < 0.01). Additionally, the 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) and 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA) of serum were significantly decreased in the patients with liver cirrhotic ascites. In conclusion, the lysophosphatidylcholines C18:0, C18:2 and C16:1 are potential biomarkers. Moreover, the bile acid metabolism, amino acid metabolism and 5-HT as well as 5-HIAA metabolites are significantly changed in patients with cirrhotic ascites. These endogenous metabolites are potential biomarkers used for the diagnosis and treatment of liver fibrosis and cirrhosis.