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Updated: Apr 3, 2026
Identification and Quantification of Deranged Metabolites in Critically Ill Patients Using NMR-Based Metabolomics
Published on: November 29, 2024
NMR metabolomics of renal cancer: an overview
Ana M Gil1, Paula Guedes de Pinho2, Márcia S Monteiro2
1CICECO - Aveiro Institute of Materials, Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal.
Abstract:
This paper reviews the use of NMR metabolomics for the metabolic characterization of renal cancer. The existing challenges in the clinical management of this disease are first presented, followed by a brief introduction to the metabolomics approach, in the context of cancer research. A subsequent review of the literature on NMR metabolic studies of renal cancer reveals that the subject has been clearly underdeveloped, compared with other types of cancer, particularly regarding cultured cells and tissue analysis. NMR analysis of biofluids has focused on blood (plasma or serum) metabolomics, comprising no account of studies on human urine, in spite of its noninvasiveness and physiological proximity to the affected organs. Finally, some areas of potential future development are identified.
Insights
Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) metabolomics shows potential for renal cancer characterization, but research, especially on urine, remains underdeveloped. Future studies should explore this non-invasive approach for better metabolic insights.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Oncology
- Analytical Chemistry
Background:
- Renal cancer presents significant clinical management challenges.
- Metabolomics offers a powerful approach for cancer research.
- Current research in renal cancer metabolomics is limited compared to other cancers.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the application of Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) metabolomics in characterizing renal cancer.
- To highlight the current state and limitations of NMR-based renal cancer research.
- To identify future research directions for NMR metabolomics in this field.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of NMR-based metabolomics studies in renal cancer.
- Analysis of research focusing on tissue, cell cultures, and biofluids.
- Evaluation of studies on plasma/serum versus urine metabolomics.
Main Results:
- NMR metabolomics research for renal cancer is significantly underdeveloped.
- Most studies focus on tissue and cell culture, with limited biofluid analysis.
- Human urine NMR metabolomics studies are notably absent, despite its potential.
Conclusions:
- NMR metabolomics is an underutilized tool for renal cancer metabolic characterization.
- There is a critical need for more research, particularly utilizing non-invasive biofluid analysis like urine.
- Future research should focus on expanding NMR metabolomics applications in renal cancer, especially with urine samples.
