A pilot study to identify the longitudinal serum metabolite profiles to predict the development of hyperuricemia in essential hypertension

Background Essential hypertension (EHT) is the most prevalent chronic medical condition and a major risk factor for cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. EHT often progresses and combines with hyperuricemia (HU) in clinical cases, which increases organ damage in patients with EHT. We compared serum metabolites in EHT patients with EHT + HU patients and to find metabolic markers and related pathways in the progression of EHT to EHT + HU. Methods A longitudinal study was carried out in 35 patients (initially EHT and EHT + HU one year later). With 10 metabolites in EHT + HU identified as potential biomarkers, linoleic acid metabolism, sphingolipid metabolism, steroid hormone biosynthesis, starch and sucrose metabolism and purine metabolism interacted with EHT + HU. Results Distinct changes in the metabolomics profile of sera were observed among healthy controls (HC), EHT and EHT + HU groups. Uric acid (UA), L-lactic acid, and quinolinic acid may play important roles in the progression from EHT to EHT + HU. They were mainly involved in pyruvate metabolism, purine metabolism and nicotinate and nicotinamide metabolism pathways. Conclusions The continuous elevation of L-lactic acid and quinolinic acid might be useful for understanding the mechanisms of pathogenesis in EHT + HU and provide prospects for preventing the development of EHT and HU.