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World J Gastrointest Pharmacol Ther. Nov 6, 2013; 4(4): 97-107
Published online Nov 6, 2013. doi: 10.4292/wjgpt.v4.i4.97
Published online Nov 6, 2013. doi: 10.4292/wjgpt.v4.i4.97
Metabolomics as a diagnostic tool in gastroenterology
Vicky De Preter, Kristin Verbeke, Translational Research Center for Gastrointestinal Disorders and Leuven Food Science and Nutrition Research Centre (LFoRCe), Herestraat 49-3000 Leuven, Belgium
Author contributions: Both authors drafted the article and revised and approved the final version.
Correspondence to: Kristin Verbeke, PhD, Professor, Translational Research Center for Gastrointestinal Disorders and Leuven Food Science and Nutrition Research Centre (LFoRCe), UZ Gasthuisberg, O and N1, box 701, Herestraat 49-3000 Leuven, Belgium. kristin.verbeke@med.kuleuven.be
Telephone: +32-1-6330150 Fax: +32-1-6344399
Received: August 13, 2013
Revised: September 12, 2013
Accepted: October 15, 2013
Published online: November 6, 2013
Revised: September 12, 2013
Accepted: October 15, 2013
Published online: November 6, 2013
Core Tip
Core tip: Metabolic profiling is a powerful exploratory tool for understanding interactions between nutrients, the intestinal metabolism and the microbiota composition in health and disease and, to gain more insight in metabolic pathways. Metabolomics may advance our understanding, diagnosis and treatment of inflammatory bowel disease and irritable bowel syndrome. Metabolic reactions initiated by the host or gut microbiota can lead to “marker” metabolites present in different biological fluids that allow differentiation between health and disease. Disease-related mechanisms may be uncovered and verified, and candidate diagnostic biomarkers in biological samples are characterized.