Metabolomics: a review of liquid chromatography mass spectrometry-based methods and clinical applications

Abstract

Introduction: Metabolomics is a rapidly growing field that aims to understand the complex metabolic pathways involved in health and disease. Liquid chromatography mass spectrometry (LC-MS) based untargeted metabolomics has emerged as a powerful tool for investigating the metabolic changes associated with various diseases, and for identifying potential biomarkers for early disease detection and treatment monitoring. This review provides a comprehensive overview of LC-MS based untargeted metabolomics and its clinical applications. Content: The advantages and challenges of untargeted metabolomics are discussed, encompassing sample preparation, data processing, sample storage, acquisition mode selection, column strategy, and annotation. The latest advancements in LC-MS technology and data analysis techniques are reviewed, which have facilitated the more accurate and sensitive detection of metabolites in biological samples. The clinical applications of untargeted metabolomics are emphasized, including its utilization in disease diagnosis, treatment monitoring, and personalized medicine. Examples are provided of how biomarkers for various diseases, such as cancer, coronary heart disease, and infectious disease, have been identified through the application of untargeted metabolomics. Summary and outlook: Overall, LC-MS based untargeted metabolomics is a powerful tool for investigating the complex metabolic changes associated with various diseases, and has the potential to transform clinical diagnosis, treatment, and personalized medicine.