The Association Between Metabolomic and Usual Biochemical Data Helps to Detect Insulin Resistance

<b>Background</b>: Chronic noncommunicable diseases account for nearly 80% of global deaths and are strongly associated with insulin resistance (IR). One of the most significant clinical findings of the past two decades is that the molecular mechanisms underlying immune and metabolic systems have been evolutionarily conserved across species. <b>Methods</b>: This study included 34 volunteers (19 men and 15 women). Demographic data were collected using validated questionnaires. Anthropometric measurements (weight, height, waist-to-hip ratio, and body composition assessed by tetrapolar bioimpedance) were obtained directly. Laboratory analyses included fasting glucose and insulin, glycated hemoglobin, HDL cholesterol, total cholesterol, triglycerides, organic aciduria, and additional biochemical markers assessed using standard methods. Group comparisons were performed using parametric or nonparametric statistical tests according to data distribution, as specified in the figure legends. <b>Results</b>: The primary analyses focused on identifying early metabolomic alterations associated with insulin resistance in individuals whose conventional biochemical parameters were within laboratory reference ranges. Individuals with a TG/HDL ratio > 2 and increased urinary kynurenate excretion exhibited a 3.6-fold higher relative risk of insulin resistance, while elevated insulin levels combined with urinary α-ketoisovalerate were associated with a 2.7-fold increased risk. Significant differences in plasma insulin, HbA1c, and HOMA-IR were observed between healthy and diseased individuals (<i>p</i> < 0.05), indicating early metabolic dysfunction preceding clinical disease onset. <b>Conclusions</b>: Metabolomic biomarkers serve as reliable indicators of subclinical metabolic disturbances, revealing significant risks in major metabolic pathways even in individuals with conventional exams within normal limits. Early detection through these metabolomic markers may enable personalized interventions aimed at preserving cellular function and systemic metabolic balance.

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Journal
Biomedicines
Published
2026-02-09
DOI
https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines14020393
Primary Topic
Metabolomics and Mass Spectrometry Studies
Type
article
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article

The Association Between Metabolomic and Usual Biochemical Data Helps to Detect Insulin Resistance

Bianca Prandi Campagnaro, Fabio S Pimenta, Silvana S. Meyrelles, Manuel Campos-Toimil et al.
Biomedicines
Metabolomics and Mass Spectrometry Studies
article

The Association Between Metabolomic and Usual Biochemical Data Helps to Detect Insulin Resistance

Bianca Prandi Campagnaro, Fabio S Pimenta, Silvana S. Meyrelles, Manuel Campos-Toimil, Camila Conde, Thiago M. C. Pereira, Elisardo C. Vasquez, Radael R. Rodrigues Júnior
article en

Abstract

<b>Background</b>: Chronic noncommunicable diseases account for nearly 80% of global deaths and are strongly associated with insulin resistance (IR). One of the most significant clinical findings of the past two decades is that the molecular mechanisms underlying immune and metabolic systems have been evolutionarily conserved across species. <b>Methods</b>: This study included 34 volunteers (19 men and 15 women). Demographic data were collected using validated questionnaires. Anthropometric measurements (weight, height, waist-to-hip ratio, and body composition assessed by tetrapolar bioimpedance) were obtained directly. Laboratory analyses included fasting glucose and insulin, glycated hemoglobin, HDL cholesterol, total cholesterol, triglycerides, organic aciduria, and additional biochemical markers assessed using standard methods. Group comparisons were performed using parametric or nonparametric statistical tests according to data distribution, as specified in the figure legends. <b>Results</b>: The primary analyses focused on identifying early metabolomic alterations associated with insulin resistance in individuals whose conventional biochemical parameters were within laboratory reference ranges. Individuals with a TG/HDL ratio > 2 and increased urinary kynurenate excretion exhibited a 3.6-fold higher relative risk of insulin resistance, while elevated insulin levels combined with urinary α-ketoisovalerate were associated with a 2.7-fold increased risk. Significant differences in plasma insulin, HbA1c, and HOMA-IR were observed between healthy and diseased individuals (<i>p</i> < 0.05), indicating early metabolic dysfunction preceding clinical disease onset. <b>Conclusions</b>: Metabolomic biomarkers serve as reliable indicators of subclinical metabolic disturbances, revealing significant risks in major metabolic pathways even in individuals with conventional exams within normal limits. Early detection through these metabolomic markers may enable personalized interventions aimed at preserving cellular function and systemic metabolic balance.

BiomedicinesVol. 14(2)
Universidade de Santiago de Compostela (ES), Center for Research in Molecular Medicine and Chronic Diseases (ES), Universidade Vila Velha (BR), Universidade Federal do Espírito Santo (BR)
Good health and well-being
Openalex Percentile: Top 63%
Metabolomics and Mass Spectrometry Studies
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