Profiling of metabolic dysregulation in ovarian cancer tissues and biofluids Original paper
Researched by:
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Divine Aleru
ID
Divine Aleru
Read MoreI am a biochemist with a deep curiosity for the human microbiome and how it shapes human health, and I enjoy making microbiome science more accessible through research and writing. With 2 years experience in microbiome research, I have curated microbiome studies, analyzed microbial signatures, and now focus on interventions as a Microbiome Signatures and Interventions Research Coordinator.
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Women’s Health
Women’s Health
Women’s health, a vital aspect of medical science, encompasses various conditions unique to women’s physiological makeup. Historically, women were often excluded from clinical research, leading to a gap in understanding the intricacies of women’s health needs. However, recent advancements have highlighted the significant role that the microbiome plays in these conditions, offering new insights and potential therapies. MicrobiomeSignatures.com is at the forefront of exploring the microbiome signature of each of these conditions to unravel the etiology of these diseases and develop targeted microbiome therapies.
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Ovarian Cancer
Ovarian Cancer
OverviewOvarian cancer (OC) remains one of the most deadly cancers affecting women, with an estimated 320,000 new cases diagnosed worldwide annually, making it the eighth most commonly diagnosed cancer. It also accounts for over 200,000 deaths each year, reflecting its high lethality. The disease is often diagnosed at advanced stages (stage III and IV) due […]
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Divine Aleru
Read More
Researched by:
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Divine Aleru
ID
Divine Aleru
Read More
Microbiome Signatures identifies and validates condition-specific microbiome shifts and interventions to accelerate clinical translation. Our multidisciplinary team supports clinicians, researchers, and innovators in turning microbiome science into actionable medicine.
Divine Aleru
What was studied?
This study aimed to investigate the metabolomic dysregulation in ovarian cancer (OC) tissues and biofluids. Using targeted metabolomics, the research analyzed tissue samples from ovarian tumors and paired normal tissues as well as biofluid samples including plasma, urine, and saliva. The focus was to identify metabolite profiles that could distinguish OC from benign gynecological diseases and explore metabolic pathways altered in OC. The study employed advanced mass spectrometry techniques, including capillary electrophoresis-mass spectrometry (CE-TOFMS) and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-QQQMS), to quantify metabolites involved in glycolysis, the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle, and polyamine metabolism, among others.
Who was studied?
The study involved 37 patients diagnosed with ovarian cancer (OC) and 30 patients with benign gynecological diseases, who served as controls. Participants were aged between 33 and 86 years, with no significant differences in body mass index (BMI) between the groups. The ovarian cancer patients had different histological subtypes of OC, including high-grade serous carcinoma, endometrioid carcinoma, and clear cell carcinoma, among others. The control group included individuals with conditions such as benign ovarian tumors, uterine myomas, and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
Most important findings
The study identified significant metabolic differences between ovarian tumor (OT) and normal tissue (NT) samples. Notably, 96 metabolites showed significant differences, with many metabolites being elevated in OT samples, including N1,N12-diacetylspermine, UDP-N-acetylglucosamine, and adenosine monophosphate (AMP). These differences were also reflected in biofluids like plasma, urine, and saliva, with 12 metabolites consistently showing significant changes in both tissues and biofluids. Specifically, N1,N12-diacetylspermine was found to be consistently elevated across all samples, indicating its potential as a biomarker for OC. The study also highlighted metabolic pathway changes in glucose and amino acid metabolism, including pyruvate metabolism, glycolysis, and the TCA cycle, suggesting that metabolic reprogramming, characteristic of cancer cells, is evident in OC tissues.
Key implications
The findings of this study emphasize the importance of metabolic dysregulation in ovarian cancer. The consistent elevation of N1,N12-diacetylspermine across various biofluids and tissues could serve as a potential non-invasive biomarker for early detection. The identification of altered metabolic pathways, such as glycolysis and polyamine metabolism, offers insights into OC pathogenesis and suggests possible therapeutic targets. Given the challenges in early diagnosis of OC, the metabolomic profiling presented here could be pivotal for improving diagnostic strategies and treatment approaches. Further clinical validation and larger cohort studies are necessary to confirm these findings and assess their applicability in clinical settings.
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine disorder that affects women of reproductive age, characterized by irregular menstrual cycles, hyperandrogenism, and insulin resistance. It is often associated with metabolic dysfunctions and inflammation, leading to fertility issues and increased risk of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease.