Relationship between the plasma acylcarnitine profile and cardiometabolic risk factors in adults diagnosed with cardiovascular diseases

The development of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) is often asymptomatic. Identification of initial indicators of cardiometabolic disruption may assist in its early detection. The objective was to determine the relationships between plasma acylcarnitines (ACs) and cardiometabolic risk factors in adults with and without CVDs. The AC profile in human plasma of healthy controls [non-CVD group, n = 13)] and individuals diagnosed with CVDs (CVD group, n = 34) were compared. A targeted analysis of 29 ACs was performed using flow injection analysis-tandem mass spectrometry. There were significant direct correlations (p < 0.05) between ACs and cardiometabolic risk factors. Comparing the groups after adjustment for covariates, showed that the ACs that were best differentiated (p < 0.05) between the two groups and that presented “good” diagnostic accuracy were carnitine [30.7 (25.5–37.7) vs. 37.7 (32.3–45.0) µM], the short-chain ACs: acetylcarnitine [8.9 (7.4–10.2) vs. 11.9 (9.2–14.4) µM] and isovalerylcarnitine [0.10 (0.06–0.13) vs. 0.13 (0.10–0.16) µM], and the medium-chain ACs: hexanoylcarnitine [0.04 (0.03–0.05) vs. 0.06 (0.05–0.07) µM] and decenoylcarnitine [0.18 (0.12–0.22) vs. 0.22 (0.17–0.32) µM]. This assessment contributes to the identification of the unique metabolic features exhibited in association with cardiometabolic risk in adults diagnosed with CVD. The altered metabolites have the potential to be used as biomarkers for early detection of CVD.