Quantitative bile and serum proteomics for the screening and differential diagnosis of primary sclerosing cholangitis

Background Primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) is a chronic liver disease characterized by biliary strictures, cholestasis, and a markedly increased risk of cholangiocarcinoma. New markers for the screening and differential diagnosis of PSC are needed. In this pilot study, we have analyzed both the bile and serum proteomic profiles of 80 PSC patients and non-PSC controls (n = 6 for bile and n = 18 for serum). Aim The aim of this study was to discover candidates for new biomarkers for the differential diagnosis of PSC. Methods Bile and serum samples were processed and subsequently analyzed using ultra performance liquid chromatography-ultra definition mass spectrometry (UPLC-UDMSE). Further analysis included statistical analyses such as receiver operating characteristic curve analysis as well as pathway analysis using Ingenuity Pathway Analysis. Results and conclusions In bile, we discovered 64 proteins with significantly different levels between the groups, with fold changes of up to 129. In serum, we discovered 112 proteins with significantly different levels. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis found multiple proteins with high area under the curve values, up to 0.942, indicating that these serum proteins are of value as new non-invasive classifiers of PSC. Pathway analysis revealed multiple canonical pathways that were enriched in the dataset, which have roles in bile homeostasis and metabolism. We present several serum proteins that could serve as new blood-based markers for the diagnosis of PSC after further validation. The measurement of serum levels of these proteins could be of use in the screening of patients with suspected PSC.

Automated summary

This pilot study aimed to discover new biomarker candidates for the differential diagnosis of primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC). Bile and serum proteomic profiles were analyzed and multiple proteins with significantly different levels were identified. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis showed the potential of these serum proteins as non-invasive classifiers of PSC. Pathway analysis revealed enriched canonical pathways related to bile homeostasis and metabolism. Further validation is needed for these serum proteins to be used as blood-based markers for PSC diagnosis.