Lipidomics: Advanced analytical technology to identify biomarkers of colorectal cancer

Abstract

Lipidomics is an advanced analytical technology applying techniques like Gas-or Liquid Chromatography coupled with Mass Spectrometry or Magnetic Resonance Spectrometry to find the lipid biomarkers in tissues, blood or urine. This review selected significant results which show the impact of lipidomic investigations for discriminating the metabolic profiles and dysregulation of metabolic pathways in CRC patient’s comparative to healthy controls. It focuses on the description of best methods and procedures to separate and identify hydrophobic molecules with molecular weights under 1000 Daltons, especially using high pressure liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry. The main lipid classes involved in the onset and progression of CRC are presented, as well the alterations of lipid-related cellular pathways during tumorigenesis. Especially lipid profile changes (of cerotic acid, hydroxylated, polyunsaturated fatty acids, free fatty acids, oxylipins, glycero-phospholipids, di-and triglycerides, sphingomyelins and ceramides) showed significant differences and can be considered reliable biomarkers to discriminate between early and advanced stages of CTC malignancy, prognosis or survival prediction.