Integrated metabolomic and proteomic analysis of cardiac tissues in a murine model of Kawasaki disease

Kawasaki disease (KD) is an acute systemic vasculitis in children that can result in severe cardiac complications. This study utilized an integrated proteomic and metabolomic approach to explore molecular dynamics in cardiac tissue from a Candida albicans cell wall extract (CAWS)-induced KD mouse model. Echocardiography demonstrated significant left ventricular dysfunction in the CAWS group, as evidenced by reduced ejection fraction and fractional shortening, alongside histopathological signs of inflammatory cell infiltration. Multi-omics analysis revealed 206 differentially expressed metabolites (DEMs) and 155 differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) compared to PBS controls. Bioinformatics analysis highlighted substantial disturbances in glycerophospholipid metabolism, amino acid metabolism, fatty acid synthesis, and cofactor biosynthesis pathways, with concurrent upregulation of immune- and inflammation-related proteins. Integrated analysis revealed co-enrichment in cofactor biosynthesis, amino acid metabolism, and purine metabolism pathways, and a regulatory network of key molecules was established. These findings suggest that KD-induced cardiac injury involves significant metabolic reprogramming and immune-inflammatory activation, offering new insights into the pathogenesis and providing a theoretical basis for the development of biomarkers and therapeutic targets.