OBJECTIVEBy using the metabonomics method, to study the plasma metabonomics of the stable phase chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients of Fei-qi deficiency syndrome (FQDS), and of Chinese materia medica (CMM) intervention, thus exploring possibly existent biomarkers.

METHODSForty stable phase COPD patients of FQDS were recruited as Group A. Liuwei Buqi Capsule (LWBQC) was given to them as intervention. A healthy control group (Group B, 37 cases) was set up. The pulmonary function test was performed on patients in Group B and Group A before and after intervention. The plasma metabolites were detected using high performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS). Statistical data were analyzed using principal component analysis (PCA) and partial least squares (PLS). The original spectrum and data of plasma metabonomics were compared between the two groups. The whole spectrum amino acid metabonomics tests were performed in the two groups.

RESULTSCompared with Group B, the pulmonary function significantly decreased before intervention in Group A (P < 0.05). The pulmonary function was more mildly improved after 30 days' treatment than before treatment, but still lower than it in Group B (P < 0.05). The metabolic spectrum before treatment in Group A was significantly different from Group B, but showing regressive trend to Group B after treatment. Fifteen possible disease markers were found in COPD patients of FQDS. Results of the whole spectrum of amino acid metabolomics showed different features.

CONCLUSIONSThe changes of metabolic spectrum and amino acids could be found in the stable phase COPD patients of FQDS using plasma metabonomics, and potential markers could be detected. The intervention of the stable phase COPD patients of FQDS by Chinese medicine could brought positive changes in the metabolic profiling and amino acid metabolism.