Metabolomics: A Scoping Review of Its Role as a Tool for Disease Biomarker Discovery in Selected Non-Communicable Diseases

Abstract

Metabolomics is a branch of 'omics' sciences that utilises a couple of analytical tools for the identification of small molecules (metabolites) in a given sample. The overarching goal of metabolomics is to assess these metabolites quantitatively and qualitatively for their diagnostic, therapeutic, and prognostic potentials. Its use in various aspects of life has been documented. We have also published, howbeit in animal models, a few papers where metabolomic approaches were used in the study of metabolic disorders, such as metabolic syndrome, diabetes, and obesity. As the goal of every research is to benefit humankind, the purpose of this review is to provide insights into the applicability of metabolomics in medicine vis-à-vis its role in biomarker discovery for disease diagnosis and management. Here, important biomarkers with proven diagnostic and therapeutic relevance in the management of disease conditions, such as Alzheimer's disease, dementia, Parkinson's disease, inborn errors of metabolism (IEM), diabetic retinopathy, and cardiovascular disease, are noted. The paper also discusses a few reasons why most metabolomics-based laboratory discoveries are not readily translated to the clinic and how these could be addressed going forward.

Keywords: analytical tools; biomarkers; diabetes; diseases; metabolites; metabolomics; obesity.

Figure 1

Metabolomic workflow. The first stage involves experimental design, followed by sample collection, preparation, and metabolite extraction. Next is acquisition and processing of data, then data analysis, and finally, making sense of the data through biomarker discovery.

Figure 2

Summary of the major analytical platforms for metabolomic studies in human and animal samples. The figure depicts the three most often employed platforms for metabolomic studies—MS, NMR, and FTIR spectroscopy. The MS-based approach involves coupling with liquid chromatography (LC), gas chromatography (GC), or capillary electrophoresis (CE).