A Metabolomic Approach for Predicting Diurnal Changes in Cortisol

Area of Science:

• Metabolomics
• Biochemistry
• Analytical Chemistry

Background:

• Cortisol secretion dysregulation is linked to mental health and mood disorders.
• Current diagnostics for these conditions lack biological context.
• There is a need for objective biological markers for stress monitoring.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify urinary volatile metabolites that predict diurnal cortisol secretion changes.
• To establish a method for long-term stress monitoring in psychological disorders.

Main Methods:

• Comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography coupled with time-of-flight mass spectrometry (GCxGC-TOFMS) was used.
• An untargeted approach sampled the urinary volatile metabolome.
• Samples were collected from 60 subjects at three time points within a single day.

Main Results:

• A multiple regression model identified 14 volatile metabolites and 7 interaction terms.
• Specific metabolites like pyrrole, 6-methyl-5-hepten-2-one, and 1-iodo-2-methylundecane were highlighted.
• These metabolites may be influenced by endogenous metabolic mechanisms and glucocorticoid signaling.

Conclusions:

• The study demonstrates the feasibility of predicting cortisol levels using urinary volatile metabolites.
• This approach offers a potential non-invasive method for long-term stress assessment.
• Volatile metabolites could serve as novel biomarkers for psychological disorders.