Metabolomics analysis reveals a modified amino acid metabolism that correlates with altered oxygen homeostasis in COVID-19 patients

We identified the main changes in serum metabolites associated with severe (n=46) and mild (n=19) COVID-19 patients by gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry. The modified metabolic profiles were associated to an altered amino acid catabolism in hypoxic conditions. Noteworthy, three alpha -hydroxyl acids of amino acid origin increased with disease severity and correlated with altered oxygen saturation levels and clinical markers of lung damage. We hypothesize that the enzymatic conversion of alpha -keto-acids to alpha- hydroxyl-acids helps to maintain NAD recycling in patients with altered oxygen levels, highlighting the potential relevance of amino acid supplementation during SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Automated summary

Using gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry, we identified significant changes in serum metabolites associated with severe and mild COVID-19 patients, particularly in altered amino acid catabolism. The study found that three alpha-hydroxyl acids of amino acid origin increased with disease severity, correlating with changes in oxygen saturation levels and clinical markers of lung damage. The conversion of alpha-keto acids to alpha-hydroxyl acids is suggested to play a role in maintaining NAD recycling in patients with altered oxygen levels during SARS-CoV-2 infection, highlighting the potential importance of amino acid supplementation.