Rewriting Inflammation in IBD: Lipidomics from Pathogenesis to Clinical Application

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology and Nutrition Science
• Microbiome Research
• Metabolomics

Background:

• Lipids are crucial for intestinal barrier function and immune responses.
• Dietary lipids and microbial metabolites significantly influence gut health and IBD.
• Western diets high in saturated and omega-6 fatty acids are implicated in IBD.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review lipidomic alterations in IBD across major lipid classes.
• To explore the potential of lipidomics for IBD biomarkers (prognostic, diagnostic, therapy response).
• To critically assess barriers to the clinical implementation of lipidomics in IBD.

Main Methods:

• Classification of lipidomic alterations in IBD, integrating host, dietary, and microbiome factors.
• Review of current literature on lipidomics applications in IBD.
• Analysis of challenges hindering clinical translation of lipidomics.

Main Results:

• IBD involves significant alterations in sphingolipids, fatty acids, phospholipids, and lipoproteins.
• Microbiota-derived lipids like SCFAs and secondary bile acids play a role in mucosal homeostasis.
• Lipidomics shows promise for identifying prognostic, diagnostic, and therapy response biomarkers in IBD.

Conclusions:

• Lipidomic profiling is essential for understanding IBD pathogenesis and host-microbiome interactions.
• Overcoming analytical and pre-analytical challenges is key to realizing lipidomics' potential in IBD.
• Addressing current limitations will advance personalized medicine for IBD patients through lipidomics.