Comparative analysis of amino acid profiles across pediatric groups stratified by asthma and IgE-dependent allergy showed differences in serum asparagine levels

BACKGROUND: Although childhood asthma and IgE-dependent allergy frequently co-occur, the characterization of amino acid profiles associated with these conditions remains incomplete. The diagnosis of asthma and IgE-dependent allergy in children under five years of age is mainly based on clinical criteria, repeated specialist assessments, therapeutic response, and the exclusion of alternative causes, with functional testing performed when feasible. Therefore, identifying molecular indicators could improve the characterization and diagnosis of asthma in pediatric patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study included 113 serum samples from pediatric children. The study examined a comprehensive profile of free amino acids among four groups of children aged six months to five years. Three study groups were analyzed: children with asthma, children with asthma and IgE-dependent allergies, and children with IgE-dependent allergies along with one control group without asthma and IgE-dependent allergy. The targeted metabolomic analysis was performed using the Chromsystems kit. Samples were analyzed using a triple quadrupole tandem mass spectrometer coupled with a high-performance liquid chromatograph. Then, univariate statistical analyses were performed. RESULTS: The method enabled quantification of 26 amino acids. The statistical analysis was conducted using the Mann-Whitney U and t-test. A significant difference in one amino acid concentration was found between patients with asthma and those with asthma and IgE-dependent allergy - asparagine (p-value 0.025). In addition, two amino acids distinguished the children with asthma from the control group: alpha-aminobutyric acid (p-value 0.011) and asparagine (p-value 0.017). CONCLUSIONS: The research suggests a potential connection between asparagine levels and childhood asthma, as well as asthma with IgE-dependent allergy. This study involving four groups of pediatric patients may provide a basis for further scientific research into the role of amino acids, particularly asparagine, in n the molecular mechanisms underlying asthma.