Biomarker Discovery via Integrative Multi-omics for Children exposed to Humidifier Disinfectant

Abstract

RationaleExposure to humidifier disinfectants has been linked to an array of pulmonary disorders and diminished lung functionality particularly reduced Forced Vital Capacity (FVC). ObjectivesThis investigation sought to identify diagnostic biomarkers for early detection of children at elevated risk of developing chronic respiratory conditions following such exposure. MethodsOur research employed a comprehensive multi-omics strategy analyzing 70 pediatric patients alongside 10 controls, seamlessly integrating clinical assessments with transcriptomics, methylomics, proteomics, and metabolomics data. The analytical framework utilized a sophisticated combination of Non-negative Matrix Factorization (NMF), Multi-Omics Factor Analysis (MOFA), and advanced machine learning algorithms. Measurements and Main ResultsNMF clustering uncovered distinctive protein expression patterns associated with integrin-mediated signaling pathways and immune response mechanisms. Complementarily, MOFA identified latent factors correlating with lung function metrics, highlighting critical molecular pathways involved in integrin cell surface interactions and lipid metabolism regulation. Machine learning-based analysis facilitated the development of a multi-marker panel-comprising IGHV2-70, LysoPC (16:0), and hexadecyl ferulate-which achieved 81.46% accuracy in identifying pulmonary dysfunction cohort. ConclusionsThese findings suggest that alterations in integrin-related signaling networks and dysregulation of lipid metabolism play pivotal roles in mediating the long-term pulmonary consequences of humidifier disinfectant exposure. The proposed multi-marker panel offers significant potential for enhanced risk stratification and timely therapeutic intervention. At a Glance CommentaryO_ST_ABSScientific Knowledge on the SubjectC_ST_ABSExtensive epidemiological evidence has established the causal relationship between humidifier disinfectant exposure and pulmonary dysfunction; however, clinically validated biomarkers for predicting chronic lung disease progression remain limited. Pediatric populations demonstrate unique pathophysiological mechanisms distinct from adults, highlighting the critical necessity for biomarker identification grounded in comprehensive molecular understanding. Despite advances in omics technologies, recent investigations have encountered significant obstacles in achieving deeper mechanistic insights, predominantly attributable to methodological constraints in harmonizing clinical phenotypes with high-dimensional molecular datasets. What This Study Adds to the FieldThis investigation elucidates the fundamental contributions of integrin-mediated signaling cascades and lipid metabolic networks to persistent pulmonary dysfunction following humidifier disinfectant exposure. Our analyses revealed coordinated regulation of integrin signaling pathways and immune response networks through NMF clustering, indicating dynamic temporal evolution of inflammatory responses during chronic disease progression, with temporally distinct molecular signatures identified across discrete observation intervals. Multi-omics factor analysis (MOFA) corroborated integrin pathway dysregulation while additionally uncovering systematic suppression of lipid metabolic processes. Furthermore, machine learning algorithms enabled development of a robust three-component biomarker panel--encompassing IGHV2-70, LysoPC (16:0), and hexadecyl ferulate--demonstrating 81.46% classification accuracy for pulmonary dysfunction phenotypes. Collectively, these findings substantially advance mechanistic understanding of chronic lung injury in vulnerable pediatric cohorts and identify clinically relevant biomarkers with translational potential for risk stratification and therapeutic targeting in clinical practice.