A plasma metabolomic analysis for screening of diagnostic biomarkers of hilar cholangiocarcinoma

Abstract

Objective To identify molecules in peripheral blood for the early diagnosis of hilar cholangiocarcinoma (HCCA).Methods Plasma samples were collected from patients with HCCA (n =30),primary choledocholithiasis (n =15) and choledochal cyst (n =15) as well as the healthy individuals (n =20).Small molecules in plasma metabolites were detected by the gas chromatography time-of-flight mass spectrometry (GC-TOF MS).The data of these blood samples were analyzed using multivariate analysis to create a model of differential diagnosis and screen the significant markers.Results We identified one specific plasma metabolite in HCCA,D-galacturonic acid.The average peak area was respectively 0.001 204 584,0.000 110 87,0,and 0.000 002 389 3 (mAu × min) in HCCA group,the healthy control group,choledochal cyst group and primary choledocholithiasis group respectively.D-galacturonic acid in HCCA group was significantly higher than in the healthy control group (P ＜ 0.05),choledochal cyst group (P ＜ 0.05) and primary choledocholithiasis group (P ＜ 0.05).Conclusion Combined with multivariate statistical methods,we found metabolomics technology could provide a new method for the diagnosis of HCCA and a new way for the study of the pathogenesis. Key words: Metabolomics ; Klatskin's tumor ; Diagnosis