Evaluation of the multicenter variations of urinary metabolomics

Background Multicenter experiments have frequently been performed in clinical biomarker studies. However, center effects should not be ignored. In this study, for the first time,we estimated the multicenter variations of the urinary metabolome in China. Methods In this study, midstream urine samples from a total of 83 healthy individuals were collected in four centers in Beijing and Changchun. Liquid chromatography-high resolution mass spectrometry -based metabolomics was used to analyze the differences among the four centers. Results Within the same city, there were significant variations in the urinary metabolome among the three centers. Different centers had unique differential metabolites. Amino acids, N-acetylglucosamine, glutathione, and NAD metabolism contributed to the multicenter variation. The metabolomics variation between Beijing and Changchun was obviously higher than that within the same city (Beijing). The variations between Beijing and Changchun were associated with tetrapyrrole metabolism, hememetabolism, and eicosanoid signaling. Conclusions This study provides insights into the center and regional effect of the urinary metabolome in China. Our results might benefit the experimental design of multicenter urinary metabolome research in the clinic.