A. Zhang, Hui Sun, Guang-li Yan
Mar 15, 2013
Citations
4
Influential Citations
93
Citations
Quality indicators
Journal
Clinica chimica acta; international journal of clinical chemistry
Abstract
BACKGROUND Metabolomics has been proposed to be a hallmark of cancer, yet a systematic characterization of a metabolite and metabolic pathways in human hepatocarcinoma (HCC) remains a challenge. METHODS Using ultra-performance liquid-chromatography/quadrupole-time-of-flight coupled with high-definition mass spectrometry (UPLC-Q-TOF-HDMS) in conjunction with multivariate data analysis methods, we identified and measured the metabolite profile of glycocholic acid from urine samples obtained from patients with HCC diseases. Bioinformatic tools were used to construct the metabolite network that can identify a key role for glycocholic acid in HCC. RESULTS Biochemical analyses revealed that glycocholic acid expression was up-regulated in urine samples associated with HCC. Its pathway analysis suggested the modulation of multiple vital physiological pathways, including primary bile acid biosynthesis, secondary bile acid biosynthesis, metabolic pathways, and bile secretion. The network generation clearly enhances the interpretation and understanding of mechanisms for glycocholic acid. CONCLUSIONS Metabolomics can contribute to evaluating the potential of metabolites in HCC patients and may provide new insight into pathophysiologic mechanisms.