Circulating metabolome landscape in Lynch syndrome

Area of Science:

• Metabolomics
• Cancer Biology
• Genetics

Background:

• Circulating metabolites reflect cellular processes and can influence cancer initiation.
• Lynch syndrome carriers have increased cancer risk, but not all develop cancer.
• Lifestyle factors impact cancer risk and systemic metabolism, with metabolites as a potential link.

Purpose of the Study:

• To characterize the circulating metabolome of Lynch syndrome carriers.
• To investigate the energy metabolism status in Lynch syndrome.
• To identify metabolic differences between Lynch syndrome carriers, colorectal cancer patients, and healthy controls.

Main Methods:

• Three-group cross-sectional study design.
• Comparison of circulating metabolomes.
• Analysis of metabolites including cholesterol, lipids, lipoproteins, amino acids, and ketone bodies.

Main Results:

• Lynch syndrome carriers exhibited elevated circulating cholesterol, lipids, and lipoproteins.
• Both Lynch syndrome carriers and colorectal cancer patients showed similar alterations in amino acid and ketone body profiles compared to controls.
• Cancer-free Lynch syndrome carriers presented a distinct circulating metabolome.

Conclusions:

• Lynch syndrome individuals possess a unique systemic metabolic landscape.
• Shared metabolic alterations exist between Lynch syndrome carriers and colorectal cancer patients.
• Metabolites may play a role in Lynch syndrome-associated cancer risk.