Related Experiment Video

Updated: Feb 13, 2026

On-Site Sampling and Extraction of Brain Tumors for Metabolomics and Lipidomics Analysis
06:48

On-Site Sampling and Extraction of Brain Tumors for Metabolomics and Lipidomics Analysis

Published on: May 31, 2020

6.3K

Growth of Malignant Non-CNS Tumors Alters Brain Metabolome

Anna Kovalchuk1,2, Lilit Nersisyan3, Rupasri Mandal4

  • 1Department of Neuroscience, University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge, AB, Canada.

Frontiers in Genetics
|March 9, 2018
PubMed

Insights

Cancer growth impacts brain metabolism, causing "tumor brain" effects before treatment. This study analyzes tumor brain metabolomics, revealing metabolic changes similar to neurodegeneration and aging.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Oncology
  • Metabolomics

Background:

  • Cancer treatment side effects, particularly cognitive deficits (memory, learning), significantly impair survivors' quality of life.
  • Neurocognitive deficits, termed "tumor brain," can manifest before cancer diagnosis and treatment.
  • Metabolomics offers mechanistic insights into diseases like cancer, neurodegeneration, and aging, yet the tumor brain metabolome remains uncharacterized.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the impact of non-central nervous system (non-CNS) malignant tumor growth on the brain metabolome.
  • To analyze the metabolomic profile of the "tumor brain" phenomenon using a mouse model.

Main Methods:

  • Utilized direct flow injection/mass spectrometry (DI-MS) analysis.
  • Examined the effects of lung cancer, pancreatic cancer, and sarcoma growth on the brain metabolome in TumorGraft™ mice.

Main Results:

  • Malignant non-CNS tumor growth significantly altered brain metabolic processes.
  • Key affected pathways included protein biosynthesis, amino acid metabolism, and sphingolipid metabolism.
  • Observed metabolic changes in the tumor brain were comparable to those seen in neurodegenerative diseases and brain aging.

Conclusions:

  • Tumor growth induces significant metabolic alterations in the brain, contributing to the "tumor brain" phenomenon.
  • The identified metabolic signatures may provide mechanistic insights into neurocognitive deficits associated with cancer.
  • Findings suggest potential therapeutic targets and warrant further investigation into tumor brain metabolomics.
Keywords:
animal modelsbrain agingmetabolomics/metabolite profilingnon-CNS tumorstumor brain

More Related Videos

An Ex Vivo Brain Slice Model to Study and Target Breast Cancer Brain Metastatic Tumor Growth10:38

An Ex Vivo Brain Slice Model to Study and Target Breast Cancer Brain Metastatic Tumor Growth

Published on: September 22, 2021

3.7K
Establishing Intracranial Brain Tumor Xenografts With Subsequent Analysis of Tumor Growth and Response to Therapy using Bioluminescence Imaging11:09

Establishing Intracranial Brain Tumor Xenografts With Subsequent Analysis of Tumor Growth and Response to Therapy using Bioluminescence Imaging

Published on: July 13, 2010

40.5K

Related Concept Videos

Alterations in Respiration II01:30

Alterations in Respiration II

There are numerous types of normal and abnormal respiration. Based on ventilatory movements, breathing patterns are classified as regular, deep, or shallow. Examples include Biot's breathing, Cheyne-Stokes respiration, Kussmaul's breathing, hyperventilation, and hypoventilation. Each pattern is clinically significant and aids in evaluating patients.
In Biot's breathing, the respiratory rate and depth are irregular, alternating between periods of deep gasping and apnea. Common causes...
1.9K
Altered States of Awareness01:06

Altered States of Awareness

Altered states of consciousness represent significant deviations from one's normal mental state. These deviations can range from subtle changes in awareness to profound transformations in perception, thought processes, and sensory experiences. Altered states of consciousness can be triggered by various factors, including drug use, meditation, hypnosis, illness, or even intense fatigue.
The ingestion of substances like stimulants or hallucinogens leads to chemical alterations in the brain...
1.2K
CNS Depressants: Alcohol and Nicotine01:27

CNS Depressants: Alcohol and Nicotine

Ethanol, a clear colorless alcohol, has been consumed by humans for millennia, but its effects on the body are far from benign. At lower doses, it induces decreased inhibitions and loquaciousness, leading to its social appeal. However, it can cause severe consequences at higher doses, such as coma and respiratory depression, due to its zero-order elimination kinetics. Chronic ethanol abuse wreaks havoc on multiple organ systems, particularly the CNS and the liver. Abrupt cessation of ethanol...
1.3K
CNS Depressants: Barbiturates and Benzodiazepines01:14

CNS Depressants: Barbiturates and Benzodiazepines

CNS depressants include drugs from the category of barbiturates and benzodiazepines. They are valuable medications for managing anxiety disorders and insomnia. Barbiturates, once used to induce and maintain sleep, have been replaced mainly by benzodiazepines due to barbiturate's toxicity, tolerance, and overdose risks. They interact with GABAA receptors, leading to sedation at low doses and potentially coma and death at higher doses. Phenobarbital, a long-acting barbiturate, possesses...
1.4K
CNS Stimulants: Psychedelic Agents01:22

CNS Stimulants: Psychedelic Agents

Hallucinogens, also known as psychedelic drugs, are a class of substances known for their ability to alter perception, cognition, and emotions. Despite their profound effects on the mind, these drugs are non-addictive, setting them apart from many other abused substances. The mechanism of action of these drugs lies in their impact on the 5-HT2A receptor in the brain. Upon activation, this receptor couples to Gq-type G proteins, triggering a cascade that releases intracellular calcium. This...
849
Alterations in Blood Pressure01:30

Alterations in Blood Pressure

Alterations in blood pressure, such as hypertension (high blood pressure) and hypotension (low blood pressure), significantly affect human health. Understanding these conditions' classifications, causes, and symptoms is essential for effective management and treatment.
Hypertension (High blood pressure)
Hypertension occurs when blood pressure readings consistently exceed the normal range. It is diagnosed when systolic blood pressure (the top number, indicating pressure while the heart...
2.2K