Comprehensive characterization of metabolic consumption and production by the human brain

Metabolism is vital for brain function. However, a systematic investigation to understand the metabolic exchange between the human brain and circulatory system has been lacking. Here, we compared metabolomes and lipidomes of blood samples from the cerebral venous sinus and femoral artery to profile the brain's uptake and release of metabolites and lipids (1,365 metabolites and 140 lipids). We observed a high net uptake of glucose, taurine, and hypoxanthine and identified glutamine and pyruvate as significantly released metabolites by the brain. Triacylglycerols are the most prominent class of lipid consumed by the brain. The brain with cerebral venous sinus stenosis (CVSS) consumed more glucose and lactate and released more glucose metabolism byproducts than the brain with cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (CVST). Our data also showed age-related alterations in the uptake and release of metabolites. These results provide a comprehensive view of metabolic consumption and production processes within the human brain.