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. 2018 Dec 6;8(4):91.
doi: 10.3390/metabo8040091.

Reduced Plasma Levels of Very-Long-Chain Dicarboxylic Acid 28:4 in Italian and Brazilian Colorectal Cancer Patient Cohorts

Paul L Wood  1 , Michelle M Donohue  2 , John E Cebak  3   4 , Taylor G Beckmann  5 , Márcia Cristina Fernandes Messias  6 , Laura Credidio  7 , Cláudio Saddy Rodrigues Coy  8 , Patrícia de Oliveira Carvalho  9 , Sara Crotti  10 , Sara D'Aronco  11   12 , Emanuele D L Urso  12 , Marco Agostini  13   14
Affiliations

Reduced Plasma Levels of Very-Long-Chain Dicarboxylic Acid 28:4 in Italian and Brazilian Colorectal Cancer Patient Cohorts

Paul L Wood et al. Metabolites. .

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.

Keywords: cancer biomarker; colorectal cancer; familial adenomatous polyposis; high-resolution mass spectrometry; inflammation; very-long-chain dicarboxylic acid 28:4.

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Conflict of interest statement

P.L.W. and L.M.U. have filed a patent regarding VLCDCAs as potential biomarkers for cancer risk and for the utility of analogs/prodrugs as anti-inflammatory and chemopreventive agents.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Relative plasma levels of very-long-chain dicarboxylic acid (VLCDCA) 28:4 in Italian and Brazilian colorectal cancers (CRC) cohorts, and age-matched controls, are presented in box-and-whiskers and percentile plots. For the box-and-whisker plots, the horizontals within the boxes are the medians (50th percentile) while the upper and lower lines of the boxes represent the 75th and 25th percentiles respectively. The whiskers represent the minimum and maximum levels. p = 0.00014 (Italy) and 0.000041 (Brazil).
Figure 2
Figure 2
Presentation of the lack of age-dependent changes in plasma levels of very-long-chain dicarboxylic acid (VLCDCA) 28:4.
Figure 3
Figure 3
Relative plasma levels of very-long-chain dicarboxylic acid (VLCDCA) 28:4 in the Italian colorectal cancers (CRC) cohort and age-matched controls are presented in box-and-whiskers plots based on the stage of the CRC. For the box-and-whisker plots, the horizontals within the boxes are the medians (50th percentile) while the upper and lower lines of the boxes represent the 75th and 25th percentiles respectively. The whiskers represent the minimum and maximum levels. The brackets contain the N values per cohort. *, p < 0.01 vs. controls.
Figure 4
Figure 4
Relative plasma levels of very-long-chain dicarboxylic acid (VLCDCA) 28:4 in the Italian familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) cohort and controls (Con) are presented in box-and-whiskers plots. The horizontals within the boxes are the medians (50th percentile) while the upper and lower lines of the boxes represent the 75th and 25th percentiles respectively. The whiskers represent the minimum and maximum levels. The brackets contain the N values per cohort.
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