Metabolomic analysis-Addressing NMR and LC-MS related problems in human feces sample preparation

Clinica Chimica Acta; International Journal of Clinical Chemistry
Simon MoosmangHermann Stuppner

Abstract

Metabolomics is a well-established field in fundamental clinical research with applications in different human body fluids. However, metabolomic investigations in feces are currently an emerging field. Fecal sample preparation is a demanding task due to high complexity and heterogeneity of the matrix. To gain access to the information enclosed in human feces it is necessary to extract the metabolites and make them accessible to analytical platforms like NMR or LC-MS. In this study different pre-analytical parameters and factors were investigated i.e. water content, different extraction solvents, influence of freeze-drying and homogenization, ratios of sample weight to extraction solvent, and their respective impact on metabolite profiles acquired by NMR and LC-MS. The results indicate that profiles are strongly biased by selection of extraction solvent or drying of samples, which causes different metabolites to be lost, under- or overstated. Additionally signal intensity and reproducibility of the measurement were found to be strongly dependent on sample pre-treatment steps: freeze-drying and homogenization lead to improved release of metabolites and thus increased signals, but at the same time induced variations and thus deter...Continue Reading

Related Concepts

Trending Feeds

COVID-19

Coronaviruses encompass a large family of viruses that cause the common cold as well as more serious diseases, such as the ongoing outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19; formally known as 2019-nCoV). Coronaviruses can spread from animals to humans; symptoms include fever, cough, shortness of breath, and breathing difficulties; in more severe cases, infection can lead to death. This feed covers recent research on COVID-19.

Blastomycosis

Blastomycosis fungal infections spread through inhaling Blastomyces dermatitidis spores. Discover the latest research on blastomycosis fungal infections here.

Nuclear Pore Complex in ALS/FTD

Alterations in nucleocytoplasmic transport, controlled by the nuclear pore complex, may be involved in the pathomechanism underlying multiple neurodegenerative diseases including Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis and Frontotemporal Dementia. Here is the latest research on the nuclear pore complex in ALS and FTD.

Applications of Molecular Barcoding

The concept of molecular barcoding is that each original DNA or RNA molecule is attached to a unique sequence barcode. Sequence reads having different barcodes represent different original molecules, while sequence reads having the same barcode are results of PCR duplication from one original molecule. Discover the latest research on molecular barcoding here.

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Chronic fatigue syndrome is a disease characterized by unexplained disabling fatigue; the pathology of which is incompletely understood. Discover the latest research on chronic fatigue syndrome here.

Evolution of Pluripotency

Pluripotency refers to the ability of a cell to develop into three primary germ cell layers of the embryo. This feed focuses on the mechanisms that underlie the evolution of pluripotency. Here is the latest research.

Position Effect Variegation

Position Effect Variagation occurs when a gene is inactivated due to its positioning near heterochromatic regions within a chromosome. Discover the latest research on Position Effect Variagation here.

STING Receptor Agonists

Stimulator of IFN genes (STING) are a group of transmembrane proteins that are involved in the induction of type I interferon that is important in the innate immune response. The stimulation of STING has been an active area of research in the treatment of cancer and infectious diseases. Here is the latest research on STING receptor agonists.

Microbicide

Microbicides are products that can be applied to vaginal or rectal mucosal surfaces with the goal of preventing, or at least significantly reducing, the transmission of sexually transmitted infections. Here is the latest research on microbicides.