Studies on Metabolic Alterations Due to Chronic Cold Stress: An NMR Based Metabonomics Apporach

Sonia Gandhi¹, Subash Khushu¹, Shubhra Chaturvedi², Rajendra P. Tripathi³

Chronic cold stress exposure results in increased sympathetic activity, immune suppression, gastrointestinal mucosal damage, affects central nervous system (CNS), hypovolemia, negative electrolyte balance & potential dysfunction to organs. Our study investigates the changes in metabolic profiles of urine in rats due to chronic cold stress & recovery using NMR spectroscopy. Results showed an increase & then decrease in metabolites such as 2-oxoglutrate, citrate, fumarate & N-methylnicotinamide indicating inhibition of TCA cycle & acclimatization to cold exposure. Significant increase in branched amino acid indicates kidney dysfunction. These studies can detect early biomarkers for cold stress injuries & develop strategies to combat variable climatic conditions.