Abstract
Background: There are currently no blood-based biomarkers for early diagnosis of colorectal cancer. Previous research has suggested that very-long-chain dicarboxylic acid (VLCDCA) 28:4 might be such a biomarker. Methods: Using high-resolution mass spectrometry, we analyzed VLCDCA 28:4 in the plasma of colorectal cancer patients in Italian [n = 62] and Brazilian [n = 52] cohorts. Additionally, we investigated individuals diagnosed with familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP; n = 27), one of the most important clinical forms of inherited susceptibility to colorectal cancer. Results: Decrements in plasma levels of VLCDCA 28:4 were monitored in colorectal cancer patients. These decreases were independent of the stage of tumor development and the individual’s age. However, no decrements in VLCDCA 28:4 were monitored in FAP patients. Conclusions: The plasma levels of VLCDCA 28:4 represent a potential biomarker of sporadic colorectal cancer. In addition, it is possible that resupply of this anti-inflammatory lipid may represent a new therapeutic strategy for CRC and inflammatory disorders.
Highlights
Colorectal cancers (CRC) are the 3rd most prevalent cancer globally and represent multi-factorial disorders with sporadic cases (>90%) predominating [1]
While the structure of this lipid remained elusive, we recently identified the lipid as very-long-chain dicarboxylic acid (VLCDCA) 28:4n6 [13]
VLCDCA 28:4 Plasma Levels in Italian and Brazilian colorectal cancers (CRC) Cohorts. In both the Italian and Brazilian CRC patient cohorts, there was a statistically significant reduction in the levels of circulating VLCDCA 28:4 (Figure 1). This is clearly demonstrated by the box-and-whiskers plots where the 25th : 50th : 75th percentiles were 0.448 : 0.629 : 0.809 (Italian controls) compared to 0.166 : 0.310 : 0.540 (Italian CRC)
Summary
Colorectal cancers (CRC) are the 3rd most prevalent cancer globally and represent multi-factorial disorders with sporadic cases (>90%) predominating [1]. Less expensive tests for routine annual screening include guaiac-based fecal occult blood tests and fecal immunochemical tests for hemoglobin [3], and next-generation sequencing [4]. As a consequence of these limitations, there are currently no blood-based biomarkers for the early detection of CRC. There are currently no blood-based biomarkers for early diagnosis of colorectal cancer. Results: Decrements in plasma levels of VLCDCA 28:4 were monitored in colorectal cancer patients. These decreases were independent of the stage of tumor development and the individual’s age. Conclusions: The plasma levels of VLCDCA 28:4 represent a potential biomarker of sporadic colorectal cancer. It is possible that resupply of this anti-inflammatory lipid may represent a new therapeutic strategy for CRC and inflammatory disorders
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