Unraveling the Pathogenesis of Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever: A Novel
Approach via Non-Targeted Metabolomics by NMR Spectroscopy
Abstract
The application of metabolomics for studying modifications in host
metabolism due to viral infections has proven to be a game-changing
approach. Prior to our study, only one other ‘omics’ study has been
carried out that investigates the interplay between the host and CCHFV
and its subsequent pathogenesis. We employed NMR spectroscopy, given its
advantages in terms of reproducibility, minimal sample preparation, and
capability to analyze complex biofluids. Our methodology builds upon the
proven success of metabolomics in the research of other viral
hemorrhagic fevers such as Ebola, Marburg, and Dengue. Our research
underlines the critical role of SAH, a metabolite involved in numerous
biochemical reactions. We provide new insights into the metabolic
alterations occurring in CCHF patients. These alterations not only shed
light on the disease’s pathogenesis but also pave the way for potential
biomarkers and therapeutic targets. Among all the metabolites detected,
S-Adenosyl-L-homocysteine and Carnosine stood out as the most prevalent,
warranting further exploration of their roles in CCHFV pathogenesis and
their potential as therapeutic targets.