Abstract digital illustration of lungs showing metabolic pathways in healthy and diseased states.

Unlocking Lung Health: New Insights into CTEPH, CTED, and Innovative Therapies

Samir D’Costa in Health & Wellness November 2025 • 4 min read.

"Discover the latest advancements in understanding chronic pulmonary conditions and potential treatments, including the promising role of amniotic epithelium cell secretome."

Pulmonary hypertension and chronic thromboembolic diseases pose significant challenges to the medical community. Recent studies highlight the importance of metabolomic profiling in identifying key metabolites and pathways involved in pulmonary arterial hypertension. These advancements pave the way for better diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.

Two related conditions, chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) and chronic thromboembolic vascular occlusions without pulmonary hypertension (CTED), have garnered increased attention. Researchers are diligently working to understand the metabolic differences between these conditions and how they impact overall health.

Adding another layer of innovation, scientists are exploring the potential therapeutic benefits of human amniotic epithelium cell secretome in ex-vivo lung perfusion. This novel approach could revolutionize how we treat and rehabilitate damaged lungs, offering new hope for patients awaiting transplants.

Metabolic Insights into CTEPH and CTED

Abstract digital illustration of lungs showing metabolic pathways in healthy and diseased states.

A comprehensive study was conducted to profile circulating metabolites in patients with CTEPH and CTED. Blood samples were collected from various locations, including the superior vena cava, pulmonary artery, and radial artery. These samples were then compared against those from healthy controls to identify significant metabolic differences.

The study revealed that patients with CTEPH and CTED exhibited notable changes in their metabolomic profiles. Specifically, there were increases in several metabolites, including acylcarnitines, long-chain fatty acids, polyamines, glycogen metabolites, and primary bile acid metabolites. Conversely, reductions were observed in lysolipids, plasmalogens, aminosugars, branched-chain amino acid metabolites, glutathione metabolites, and certain steroids.

Increased acylcarnitines, long chain fatty acids, and polyamines.
Reduced lysolipids, plasmalogens, and aminosugars.
Changes in glutathione metabolites and steroids.
Predominant clearance of energy metabolism related metabolites.

Transpulmonary gradient analysis further indicated a reduction in metabolite concentration across the pulmonary circulation, primarily affecting energy substrates, lysolipids, lysoplasmalogens, and acylcholines. These findings suggest a clearance mechanism that depletes essential metabolites, impacting overall pulmonary function. The study highlights significant alterations in energy metabolism and cell turnover in patients with CTEPH and CTED compared to healthy individuals.

Future Therapeutic Directions

The potential therapeutic applications of human amniotic epithelium cell secretome are also under investigation. Studies suggest that this secretome may offer benefits during ex-vivo perfusion of donor lungs, potentially improving lung condition and viability for transplantation. This innovative approach represents a promising avenue for enhancing lung health and expanding the pool of available organs for those in need.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

Everything You Need To Know

What is the difference between chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) and chronic thromboembolic vascular occlusions (CTED)?

Chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) and chronic thromboembolic vascular occlusions (CTED) are distinct conditions affecting the pulmonary vessels. CTEPH is characterized by pulmonary hypertension due to chronic blood clots, while CTED involves similar occlusions without elevated pulmonary artery pressure. Distinguishing between these conditions is crucial for appropriate management and treatment strategies, including surgical and medical interventions.

What significant changes in circulating metabolites have been identified in patients with chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) and chronic thromboembolic vascular occlusions (CTED) through metabolomic profiling?

Metabolomic profiling has revealed significant changes in circulating metabolites in patients with chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) and chronic thromboembolic vascular occlusions (CTED). Key findings include increases in acylcarnitines, long-chain fatty acids, polyamines, glycogen metabolites, and primary bile acid metabolites. Conversely, reductions were observed in lysolipids, plasmalogens, aminosugars, branched-chain amino acid metabolites, glutathione metabolites, and certain steroids. These alterations reflect disruptions in energy metabolism and cell turnover.

What are the potential therapeutic applications of human amniotic epithelium cell secretome in the context of lung health?

Human amniotic epithelium cell secretome is being explored for its therapeutic potential in ex-vivo lung perfusion. This secretome may improve the condition and viability of donor lungs by modulating the inflammatory response and promoting tissue repair. The use of human amniotic epithelium cell secretome could significantly enhance the success rates of lung transplantation and expand the pool of suitable donor organs.

What does transpulmonary gradient analysis reveal about metabolite concentration in patients with chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) and chronic thromboembolic vascular occlusions (CTED), and what are the implications?

Transpulmonary gradient analysis in patients with chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) and chronic thromboembolic vascular occlusions (CTED) indicates a reduction in metabolite concentration across the pulmonary circulation. This reduction predominantly affects energy substrates, lysolipids, lysoplasmalogens, and acylcholines. This suggests a clearance mechanism is depleting essential metabolites, negatively impacting pulmonary function and overall energy availability for lung cells. Addressing these metabolic deficiencies could be a target for future therapies.

How does metabolomic profiling help us understand chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) and chronic thromboembolic vascular occlusions (CTED), and what further research is needed to translate these findings into effective therapies?

Metabolomic profiling identifies specific metabolites that are altered in chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) and chronic thromboembolic vascular occlusions (CTED). These include increased levels of acylcarnitines, long-chain fatty acids, and polyamines, alongside decreased levels of lysolipids and plasmalogens. While these findings help in understanding the underlying metabolic disturbances, further research is needed to clarify how these specific metabolites directly contribute to the pathogenesis and progression of CTEPH and CTED, and how they can be targeted therapeutically. Specifically, understanding the impact of these metabolites on endothelial cell function, vascular remodeling, and inflammatory responses in the pulmonary vasculature would be highly valuable.