Pediatric Rheumatology Research IDEA Lab
Treatment-Related Metabolomics
in JIA
Innovation
The research question inspiring this proposal is: Does metabolomic profiling in children with chronic arthritis reveal metabolite signatures that distinguish between methotrexate treatment responders and non-responders? Metabolomics, the study of metabolic pathway end-products and by-products in biologic fluids. The objectives of this project are to: Test the hypothesis that a panel of serum metabolites and related biochemical pathways, identified using mass spectrometry technology, can distinguish JIA methotrexate responders from non-responders and Generate preliminary data to support the rationale for a larger-scale, nationwide validation study of metabolomic profiling to predict treatment responses in JIA. We hypothesize that pre-treatment metabolomic signatures will be predictive of methotrexate responsiveness in children with JIA.
Discovery
This study is currently in the early enrollment phase. The objectives of this project are to: Test the hypothesis that a panel of serum metabolites and related biochemical pathways, identified using mass spectrometry technology, can distinguish JIA methotrexate responders from non-responders and generate preliminary data to support the rationale for a larger-scale, nationwide validation study of metabolomic profiling to predict treatment responses in JIA. We hypothesize that pre-treatment metabolomic signatures will be predictive of methotrexate responsiveness in children with JIA.
Engagement
This project is being conducted by a collaborative team that includes pediatric rheumatologists and pathologies from the University of Saskatchewan and metabolomic researchers at the University of British Columbia. We are grateful to the patients participating in this study and to the College of Medicine Research Awards (CoMRAD) for funding to support this project.
Action
We anticipate this research will identify pre-treatment metabolite biomarkers that predict methotrexate responsiveness and characterize biochemical pathways associated with non-response in JIA. Results are expected to inform how metabolomic signatures in JIA can guide the judicious use of methotrexate to ensure optimal therapy is introduced in the right patient at the right time resulting in more favorable outcomes, fewer adverse effects, and lower patient and societal costs. We envision an algorithm comprising clinical attributes and metabolite biomarkers will predetermine methotrexate responders from non-responders to guide early JIA therapy.