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Updated: Jun 22, 2026

Identification and Quantification of Deranged Metabolites in Critically Ill Patients Using NMR-Based Metabolomics
Published on: November 29, 2024
Individual human phenotypes in metabolic space and time
Patrizia Bernini1, Ivano Bertini, Claudio Luchinat
1Magnetic Resonance Center (CERM), University of Florence, Sesto Fiorentino, Italy. bertini@cerm.unifi.it
Individual metabolic phenotypes are remarkably stable over time, influenced by genetics, environment, and the gut microbiome. Understanding these unique metabolic profiles is key for clinical applications.
Area of Science:
- Metabolomics
- Microbiome research
- Personalized medicine
Background:
- Individual phenotypic differences arise from genetic and environmental factors.
- Understanding metabolic phenotypes is crucial for clinical and therapeutic applications.
- Previous evidence for unique individual metabolic phenotypes was limited.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the stability and influencing factors of individual metabolic phenotypes.
- To explore the concept of the metabolic phenotype as a metagenomic entity.
Main Methods:
- Longitudinal analysis of individual phenotypes over years.
- Assessment of host metabolic phenotype influenced by genetics and environment.
- Evaluation of gut microbiome impact on metabolic phenotype.
Main Results:
- Individual metabolic phenotypes demonstrate significant invariance over extended periods.
- The host metabolic phenotype is shaped by both genetic and environmental factors.
- The gut microbiome plays a substantial role in defining the individual metabolic phenotype.
Conclusions:
- Individual metabolic phenotypes are largely stable and predictable over time.
- The metabolic phenotype is a complex metagenomic entity influenced by host genetics, environment, and gut microbiome.
- This understanding can advance personalized clinical and therapeutic strategies.
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