Researchers Develop Metabolomics Approach for Diagnosing MS

A team of British researchers has developed a metabolomics approach for diagnosing multiple sclerosis (MS) by testing blood samples.

Metabolomics is the analysis of low molecular weight biological molecules that result from metabolic processes. Disease states result in changes in metabolism in cells and systems that affect the profile of metabolites. Analysis of metabolite profiles in disease conditions and comparison with the profiles of non-diseased individuals can be used in diagnosis.


Investigators at the University of Huddersfield (United Kingdom) sought to identify differences in the metabolomic profiles in the serum of patients with multiple sclerosis (MS), those with neuropathic pain (NP), and those with both MS and NP compared with controls and to identify potential biomarkers of each disease state.

For this study, metabolomic profiling was performed using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry. Data analysis involved parametric methods, principal component analysis, and discriminating filter analysis to determine the differences between disease and control serum samples.

Results of the metabolomics analysis identified sphingosine and dihydrosphingosine as significant biomarkers. These substances were determined to be present in significantly lower concentrations in blood samples from multiple sclerosis patients than from controls. Sphingosine and dihydrosphingosine had been previously found to be at lower concentrations in the brain tissue of patients with multiple sclerosis. The detection of these sphingolipids in blood plasma will allow the non-invasive monitoring of these and related compounds.

The multiple sclerosis metabolomics study was published in the September 25, 2017, online edition of the journal Analytical Methods.

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