Metabolomics: A Scoping Review of Its Role as a Tool for Disease Biomarker Discovery in Selected Non-Communicable Diseases

From MDPI via Jisc Publications RouterHistory: accepted 2021-06-23, pub-electronic 2021-06-25Publication status: PublishedMetabolomics is a branch of ‘omics’ sciences that utilises a couple of analytical tools for the identification of small molecules (metabolites) in a given sample. The overarching goal of metabolomics is to assess these metabolites quantitatively and qualitatively for their diagnostic, therapeutic, and prognostic potentials. Its use in various aspects of life has been documented. We have also published, howbeit in animal models, a few papers where metabolomic approaches were used in the study of metabolic disorders, such as metabolic syndrome, diabetes, and obesity. As the goal of every research is to benefit humankind, the purpose of this review is to provide insights into the applicability of metabolomics in medicine vis-à-vis its role in biomarker discovery for disease diagnosis and management. Here, important biomarkers with proven diagnostic and therapeutic relevance in the management of disease conditions, such as Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, Parkinson’s disease, inborn errors of metabolism (IEM), diabetic retinopathy, and cardiovascular disease, are noted. The paper also discusses a few reasons why most metabolomics-based laboratory discoveries are not readily translated to the clinic and how these could be addressed going forward

BIOLOGICAL ACTIVITIES (ANTI-INFLAMMATORY AND ANTI-OXIDANT) OF FRACTIONS AND METHANOLIC EXTRACT OF PHILONOTIS HASTATA (DUBY WIJK & MARGADANT).

Background: Bryophytes like other lower plants (non-vascular plants) are not traditionally employed for therapeutic purposes. Hence this study evaluated the in vitro anti-oxidant potentials and anti-inflammatory activities of the fractions and methanolic extract of Moss (Philonotis hastata, Duby) with a view to studying its biological activities. Methods: Plant materials were collected, identified, dried, pulverized and extracted with 70% (v/v) methanol to afford methanolic extract (ME). The ME was fractionated using solvent of increasing polarity and followed by phytochemical screening of the extract and fractions. The anti-oxidant potentials (total phenolics and flavonoids), anti-oxidant activities (DPPH-radical scavenging, reductive power, hydroxyl radical scavenging and ABTS+ radical scavenging) and anti-inflammatory activity (red blood stabilizing) of the extract and fractions were investigated. Results: Phytochemicals detected included alkaloids, steroids and cardiac glycosides. The fractions and methanolic extract exhibited moderate anti-oxidant potentials with various models. The flavonoid contents of the methanol extract and fractions ranged between 1.70 ± 0.05 and 129.70 ± 1.00 mg/g extract RE (Rutin Equivalent) and total phenol content ranged between 1.84 ± 0.62 and 136.25 ± 0.18 mg/g extract TAE (Tannic Acid Equivalent). The reductive power activity ranged between 5.71 ± 0.02 and 40.40 ± 0.30 mg/g Vitamin C equivalent, the hydroxyl radical scavenging (15.54 ± 0.02 to 30.07± 0.29 %), and the ABTS+- radical scavenging activity (11.59 ± 2.85 to 40.50 ± 1.35%). The membrane stabilizing potentials of the fractions and extract (methanol) ranged between 19.19 ± 2.66% and 78.26 ± 2.60%. The activities were comparable to standard anti-inflammatory drugs and chemicals. Conclusion: It could be concluded that the fractions and methanol extract of P. hastata exhibit moderate, potent and appreciable anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory activities with aqueous and ethyl acetate fractions elicited highest activities. As such, bryophytes possess therapeutic potentials and could be employed in the treatment and management of anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory disorders

Metabolomics: A Scoping Review of Its Role as a Tool for Disease Biomarker Discovery in Selected Non-Communicable Diseases

Metabolomics is a branch of ‘omics’ sciences that utilises a couple of analytical tools for the identification of small molecules (metabolites) in a given sample. The overarching goal of metabolomics is to assess these metabolites quantitatively and qualitatively for their diagnostic, therapeutic, and prognostic potentials. Its use in various aspects of life has been documented. We have also published, howbeit in animal models, a few papers where metabolomic approaches were used in the study of metabolic disorders, such as metabolic syndrome, diabetes, and obesity. As the goal of every research is to benefit humankind, the purpose of this review is to provide insights into the applicability of metabolomics in medicine vis-à-vis its role in biomarker discovery for disease diagnosis and management. Here, important biomarkers with proven diagnostic and therapeutic relevance in the management of disease conditions, such as Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, Parkinson’s disease, inborn errors of metabolism (IEM), diabetic retinopathy, and cardiovascular disease, are noted. The paper also discusses a few reasons why most metabolomics-based laboratory discoveries are not readily translated to the clinic and how these could be addressed going forward