Quantitative Metabolomics to Explore the Role of Plasma Polyamines in Colorectal Cancer

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the major public health and socio-economic problems, which management demands the development of non-invasive screening tests. Assessment of circulating polyamines could be a valuable tool, although analytical problems still preclude its clinical practice. We exploited ultra-high-resolution liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry, as a highly sensitive and innovative method, to profile eleven polyamines, including spermine and spermidine with their acetylated forms. These data together with an evaluation of the inflammatory indexes might represent suitable biomarkers for the identification of CRC patients. The statistical models revealed good discrimination in distinguishing CRC patients from healthy subjects. The plasma assessment of ornithine and acetylspermine, as well as lymphocyte/platelet ratio, revealed helpful information on the progression of CRC. The combined profiles of circulating polyamines and inflammatory indexes, together with the application of an innovative technology, could represent a valuable tool for discriminating patients from different clinical groups.

Automated summary

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a major public health and socio-economic problem that requires non-invasive screening tests. By using ultra-high-resolution liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry, we profiled eleven polyamines, including spermine and spermidine with their acetylated forms, and evaluated their potential as biomarkers for identifying CRC patients. The statistical models showed good discrimination in distinguishing CRC patients and healthy subjects. Plasma assessment of ornithine and acetylspermine, as well as lymphocyte/platelet ratio, provided helpful information on the progression of CRC. The combined profiles of circulating polyamines and inflammatory indexes, along with innovative technology, could be a valuable tool for discriminating patients from different clinical groups.