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World J Gastroenterol. Jul 21, 2014; 20(27): 9017-9025
Published online Jul 21, 2014. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v20.i27.9017
Published online Jul 21, 2014. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v20.i27.9017
Breath volatile organic compounds for the gut-fatty liver axis: Promise, peril, and path forward
Steven Francis Solga, Solga Gastroenterology, Bethlehem, PA 18015, United States
Author contributions: Solga SF solely contributed to this paper.
Correspondence to: Steven Francis Solga, MD, Solga Gastroenterology, 701 Ostrum St. Suite 604A, Bethlehem, PA 18015, United States. stevesolga@gmail.com
Telephone: +11-610-8663900 Fax: +11-610-8668140
Received: October 25, 2013
Revised: January 15, 2014
Accepted: April 8, 2014
Published online: July 21, 2014
Revised: January 15, 2014
Accepted: April 8, 2014
Published online: July 21, 2014
Core Tip
Core tip: The biology of the gut-liver axis has always been fascinating and exceedingly difficult to study. With the rapidly expanding interest in the gut microbiome, however, finding better measurement techniques to evaluate this biology has never been more relevant. Breath volatile organic compounds (VOCs) measurement presents the unmatched potential to address this critical unmet need. Breath measurement can be challenging, however, and requires coherent teams including engineers, breath chemists, and clinical researchers. It also requires long term vision and strategy. This paper describes the rationale for breath VOCs, critically reviews the history of breath VOC development, and offers suggestions for progress.