Sniffing out causes of gastrointestinal disorders: a review of volatile metabolomic biomarkers

Abstract

Distinct changes can be observed in the odor of human excretions during health and disease. Identifying underlying volatile metabolites responsible for these odorous changes can be correlated with the pathological process within the body. Advances in the technology have enabled us to interpret the volatile signature of these changes in the odor. This has opened a promising area to lay the foundations of a rapid, noninvasive and point of care diagnostic tool. This review explores the diagnostic potential of volatile organic metabolites as novel biomarkers and extends the discussion on the clinical applications of these biomarkers in gastrointestinal disorders.

Keywords: colorectal cancer; gas chromatography-mass spectrometer; gastrointestinal disorders; inflammatory bowel disease; irritable bowel syndrome; metabolomics; noninvasive biomarkers; volatile organic metabolites.