Association of gut-related metabolites with respiratory symptoms in COVID-19: A proof-of-concept study

Gut-related metabolites have been linked with respiratory disease. The crosstalk between the gut and lungs suggests that gut health may be compromised in COVID-19. The aims of the present study were to analyze a panel of gut-related metabolites (acetyl-L-carnitine, betaine, choline, L-carnitine, trimethylamine, and trimethylamine N-oxide) in patients with COVID-19, matched with healthy individuals and patients with non-COVID-19 respiratory symptoms. As results, metabolites from this panel were impaired in patients with COVID-19 and were associated with the symptoms of breathlessness and temperature, and it was possible to differentiate between COVID-19 and asthma. Preliminary results showed that lower levels of betaine appeared to be associated with poor outcomes in patients with COVID-19, suggesting betaine as a marker of gut microbiome health.