Faecal Metabolome Profiles in Individuals Diagnosed with Hyperplastic Polyps and Conventional Adenomas

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology
• Metabolomics
• Oncology

Background:

• Colorectal cancer (CRC) develops progressively, influenced by lifestyle and diet.
• CRC arises mainly from conventional adenomas (adenomatous pathway, >80%) and less frequently from hyperplastic polyps (serrated pathway, <20%).
• Understanding the metabolic differences in precursor lesions is crucial for early detection and prevention.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate and differentiate the faecal metabolome associated with hyperplastic polyps and conventional adenomas.
• To identify unique metabolic signatures for each type of polyp.
• To explore potential links between diet, gut microbiota, and polyp-specific metabolomics.

Main Methods:

• Faecal metabolites were analyzed using integrated Reversed-Phase High-Performance Liquid Chromatography-Quadrupole-Time of Flight Mass Spectrometry (RP/HPLC-Q/TOF-MS/MS) and Hydrophilic Interaction Liquid Chromatography-Quadrupole-Time of Flight Mass Spectrometry (HILIC-Q/TOF-MS/MS).
• Comparisons were made between controls, polyp groups, and between hyperplastic polyps and conventional adenomas.
• Metabolite alterations were analyzed within specific biochemical modules.

Main Results:

• Distinct alterations in specific biochemical modules differentiated hyperplastic polyps and conventional adenomas.
• Hyperplastic polyps showed an enrichment in glycerophospholipids and altered metabolism of xanthine/purine and pyrimidine degradation pathways.
• Conventional adenomas were characterized by an enrichment in exogenous phenolic compounds and disaccharides.

Conclusions:

• Faecal metabolomics can distinguish between hyperplastic polyps and conventional adenomas, suggesting different underlying biological processes.
• The identified metabolic signatures may serve as potential biomarkers for differentiating polyp types.
• Further research is needed to elucidate the roles of diet and gut microbiota in these observed metabolomic differences.