Differential correlation network analysis identified novel metabolomics signatures for non-responders to total joint replacement in primary osteoarthritis patients.

INTRODUCTION: Up to one third of total joint replacement patients (TJR) experience poor surgical outcome. OBJECTIVES: To identify metabolomic signatures for non-responders to TJR in primary osteoarthritis (OA) patients. METHODS: A newly developed differential correlation network analysis method was applied to our previously published metabolomic dataset to identify metabolomic network signatures for non-responders to TJR. RESULTS: Differential correlation networks involving 12 metabolites and 23 metabolites were identified for pain non-responders and function non-responders, respectively. CONCLUSION: The differential networks suggest that inflammation, muscle breakdown, wound healing, and metabolic syndrome may all play roles in TJR response, warranting further investigation.