Exploring the role of metabolomics in kidney transplantation: a systematic review of the literature

Abstract

Background: Serum creatinine and proteinuria remain the most frequently used test for monitoring allograft function. However, they are non-specific and insensitive markers. Metabolomics is an emerging field, dealing with the high-throughput identification and quantification of small molecules metabolites. We aimed to systematically review all available data regarding kidney transplantation and metabolomics.

Methods: This is a systematic review evaluating metabolomic usage in kidney transplant patients. A comprehensive search was assembled in the time span extending from inception until March 2024 across MEDLINE (PubMed), Embase and Cochrane. In addition to the databases above, eligible citation were sought through the screening of ClinicalTrials.gov and Google Scholar. Two authors assessed potential citations for eligibility and quality and extracted all data.

Results: A total of 57 articles were identified for inclusion (totaling 3821 patients), containing different methodologies and outcomes related to metabolic profiling. We aimed to offer support for finding new biomarkers that could aid in the evaluation of the kidney transplant patient, covering pathophysiological mechanisms and exploring avenues for personalized care.

Conclussion: Our systematic review underlines the possible role of metabolomics in monitoring kidney transplant patients. By integrating data from numerous studies, we have detected possible new biomarkers that might transform the method we screen kidney transplant recipients.

Keywords: allograft function; kidney reject; kidney transplanation; metabolites; metabolomics; systematic review.