Untargeted Metabolomics and Polyamine Profiling in Serum before and after Surgery in Colorectal Cancer Patients

Yu Ra Lee,Ki-Yong An,Jongki Hong,Justin Jeon,Ji Won Lee,Nam Kyu Kim,Bong Chul Chung

doi:10.3390/metabo10120487

Abstract

Colorectal cancer is one of the most prevalent cancers in Korea and globally. In this study, we aimed to characterize the differential serum metabolomic profiles between pre-operative and post-operative patients with colorectal cancer. To investigate the significant metabolites and metabolic pathways associated with colorectal cancer, we analyzed serum samples from 68 patients (aged 20–71, mean 57.57 years). Untargeted and targeted metabolomics profiling in patients with colorectal cancer were performed using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. Untargeted analysis identified differences in sphingolipid metabolism, steroid biosynthesis, and arginine and proline metabolism in pre- and post-operative patients with colorectal cancer. We then performed quantitative target profiling of polyamines, synthesized from arginine and proline metabolism, to identify potential polyamines that may serve as effective biomarkers for colorectal cancer. Results indicate a significantly reduced serum concentration of putrescine in post-operative patients compared to pre-operative patients. Our metabolomics approach provided insights into the physiological alterations in patients with colorectal cancer after surgery.

Highlights

Colorectal cancer (CRC) occurs in the colon, rectum, and appendix
Based on the variable importance in projection (VIP) and p-values of the metabolites identified via the partial least squares discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) model (VIP > 1 and p < 0.05), biomarkers capable of distinguishing between pre- and post-operative CRC patients group were selected (Table 1)
To confirm the regulation of each metabolite, we indicated the Pearson correlation coefficient (p(corr)) and fold change (FC) values

Summary

Introduction

Colorectal cancer (CRC) occurs in the colon, rectum, and appendix. This cancer has one of the highest global incidences, and accounts for the third most common cancer in Korea [1]. Surgery, involving removal of the tumor, is the most common treatment for CRC. As surgical techniques and tools have developed, the use of laparoscopy [2] and robots [3] has been applied in several cases. Using these methods, the patient experiences less stress, the incisions are small, and the patient recovers more quickly after surgery, compared to standard open surgeries

Objectives

Results

Conclusion